Leaves elliptic to oblong or lanceolate in outline, 1–2.5 cm. long, 0.2–1.2 cm. wide, obtuse at apex, cuneate-attenuate at base, superior subentire, inferior with 2–4 spreading teeth or lobes on each margin, all densely grey-mealy on both surfaces.
Flowers in dense axillary clusters, aggregated towards ends of stems and branches, upper clusters mostly without subtending leaves, clusters mostly bisexual, but upper predominantly male, lower predominantly female.
Annual or short-lived perennial herb with stems becoming thinly woody below, erect, 18–35 cm. high.