It is a spreading shrub or small tree of the family Asteraceae, and has largely serrated and undulating grey-green leaves.

It is found in lowland and sub-alpine forests from sea level to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft).

Its leaves are 5–10 centimetres (2.0–3.9 in) long, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide, with undulating and coarsely serrated margins, greyish green above.

Its flowers are white with yellow centres and grow in large terminal corymbs.

[2] The larvae of the New Zealand endemic moth species Stigmella erysibodea mines the leaves of O.