The Arctotheca populifolia flowerhead in profile hides its involucral bracts at the base of the head under a thick felt covering. A pale green section of the peduncle is bare.

The ray florets are black-lined on the outside along their upper parts.

The orange oblongs of the anthers are visible in picture above the spreading rays (Manning, 2007; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; iNaturalist).