The leaves on the lower part of the stem are linear in shape, pointed, 7–16 mm (0.3–0.6 in) long and dished or almost circular in cross-section.

[9] The variety acerosa grows in lateritic soils in jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) forest or in sand in heath along the Darling Scarp or at the foot of the range between Forrestfield and Cannington.

The variety preissii is more widely distributed across the south-west of Western Australia between Coorow and the Fitzgerald River National Park.

[1] It grows in a wide range of soils and vegetation associations, often with other species of verticordias in the Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest and Mallee biogeographic regions.

Its foliage, red young stems and bright yellow, perfumed flowers make this an attractive garden specimen.