[3][5] Holocarpha virgata is an annual herb producing an erect stem 20 centimetres (7.9 in) to over 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall.

The linear leaves are up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long near the base of the plant and those along the stem are much smaller.

[5] The inflorescence is made up of several short branches lined densely in small, thick, green bracts.

At the ends of the branches are flower heads, each lined with phyllaries which are covered in knobby resin glands.

Each head contains 9-25 disc florets which are yellow with black or purplish anthers.