[3] Helichrysum thianschanicum is a small perennial shrub that grows 2 ft (61 cm) tall and wide.

[1] The specific epithet refers to the Tian Shan mountain range of Central Asia.

[2] Helichrysum thianschanicum grows on gravelly slopes and sand dunes in its native range of western China (Xinjiang) and adjacent Kazakhstan.

[2] Helichrysum thianschanicum 'Icicles' is a cultivar commonly grown in the United States for its foliage.

During the summer, yellow flowers are produced at the ends of the stems and are composed of up to 30 florets.