[2] The species was first formally described by English botanist James Smith in 1797 in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, and given the name Metrosideos capitata.

[1] The species epithet capitata is derived from the Latin word caput (head), alluding to the arrangement of the flowers.

[3] It was transferred to the genus Kunzea in 1846 by German botanist Gustav Heynhold.

[1] The species occurs in heathland and dry sclerophyll forest from the Ulladulla district northward to Richmond River.

[2] The species prefers a moist soil in a lightly shaded to sunny position.