It differs from other subspecies of E. pauciflora in having larger, sessile, glaucous buds and broader, hemispherical fruit.

hedraia is a mallee or tree that typically grows to a height of 10 m (33 ft) and forms a lignotuber.

It has smooth, white, grey, pale brown and green bark that usually has insect scribbles.

Subspecies hedraia differs from others in the species in having glaucous flower buds and broader, hemispherical fruit.

hedraia was first formally described in 1994 by Kevin James Rule in the journal Muelleria, from material collected in the Falls Creek Ski Village in 1982.