Ozothamnus ferrugineus forms a medium to large erect, much-branched woody shrub that is aromatic, with an open habit.

Fine hairs are concentrated in lines running along the stem and crowded leaves extend alternately from cottony branchlets.

[1][3][4] They are flat, fine and spreading, 2-7cm long and linear to lanceolate in shape, with pointed tips and slightly wavy margins.

O. ferrugineus inflorescence amusingly resembles cauliflower heads, composed of 80–300 densely-packed small white daisies.

[2] O. ferrugineus can also be confused with Ozothamnus thyrsoideus which occurs in similar habitats but whose flowers are spread along branches rather than in terminal bunches.

[7] Ozothamnus ferrugineus is a common and widespread middle understory species in open forests and scrubland throughout south-eastern Australia.

[7][8] The first recorded description of O. ferrugineus was by French botanist Jacques Labillardière in 1806 in Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen, a two-volume work describing Australia's natural flora.

This rust-related name persists to this day, however, is misleading, as the underside of O. ferrugineus' leaves are distinctly light-grey to white in colour.

Ozothamnus ferrugineus can resprout if above ground parts are killed or experiencing severe disturbance, including fire.