Ozothamnus leptophyllus has simple broad leaves with an alternate leaf arrangement pattern which they use for photosynthesis and are self-supporting, only needing itself to grow vertically.

[4] The flowers of this plant tend to mostly be white, though on occasion have touches of pink or red on the bud, and have 4-15 florets per capitulum.

[3] Ozothamnus leptophyllus is found throughout the whole of New Zealand, including the North, South, Stewart, and Auckland Islands.

[3] It is present in open areas such as erosion gutters or avalanche chutes, and most thrives in land where the ground cover has been removed.

The period of flowering for Ozothamnus leptophyllus is commonly described between December and March,[3] though Allan[4] puts the timing between November and February, with the fruits typically appearing soon after this and staying until April.

[11] Another species which often visits the flowers is the large hoverfly (Melangyna novaezelandiae) who feeds on the pollen of this plant, but also serves to help pollinate the Ozothamnus leptophyllus.

[6] Ozothamnus leptophyllus is also the host of the larvae of the moth species Homoeosoma anaspila, who feed on the plant until maturity.

[3] This plant has also started to increase in popularity for revegetation and cultivation due to it being fast growing, easy, quite tolerant of many different conditions, which makes it perfect for sand dune restoration.