The five sepals are 2–2.5 mm (0.079–0.098 in) long, joined for half their length and covered with silvery to rust-coloured scales on the outside.

The petals are white, elliptical, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long with silvery to rust-coloured scales on the back.

[2][3][4] This species was first formally described in 1970 by Paul Wilson in the journal Nuytsia, and was given the name Phebalium lepidotum var.

[4][5] In 1998, following "field studies over the past thirty years", Wilson raised the variety to species status as Phebelium obovatum.

[2][3] This phebalium is classified as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife.