The fleshy leaves of Bulbine capitata, the narrow-leaved bulbine, are thin and quill-like, fresh green in colour. They are broad at the base with membranes that disintegrate into strips as they age. The plant forms small, dense grass-like clumps of erect or arching leaves.

Another common name for this species is scented grass bulbine (Manning, 2009; iSpot; www.plantbook.co.za).