The felted leaf cover of Arctotheca populifolia may become torn on older blades, exposing bright green surfaces.

Old leaves may have more than one pair of marginal lobes at the base of the blade. Young leaves may have no toothing or lobing yet (Manning, 2007; Le Roux, et al, 2005; Mustart, et al, 1997; Manning and Goldblatt, 1996; iNaturalist).