The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in coastal saltmarshes and also occasionally in inland saline areas, often colonising bare ground.

[2][3] Silky wilsonia is a low-growing mat forming species, growing to 10 cm tall.

The plant is covered with short, white hairs imparting a silvery appearance.

[3] White flowers appear between September and December in the species' native range.

[3] The species was first formally described in 1810 by botanist Robert Brown in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.