Drymocallis glandulosa is generally erect in form but it may be small and tuftlike, measuring just a few centimeters high, or tall and slender, approaching 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height.

[3] It is usually coated in hairs, many of which are glandular, giving the plant a sticky texture.

Each has usually five petals up to a centimeter long which may be white to pale yellow to gold.

It is highly variable and there are many varieties and subspecies, some of which intergrade and are not clearly defined.

They include:[4] The plant is more common after its habitat is cleared or disturbed, such as by wildfire, clearcutting, or heavy grazing.