The leaf shape of Senecio rigidus varies in the photo; mainly oblong, but obovate or rounded leaves with slightly pointed or rounded tips are also visible. The stalkless leaves clasp the stems. Leaf surfaces are rough, even sandpapery, yet shiny and dull green to dark or yellow green above. The lower leaf surfaces are often woolly over the raised veins. The leaf midrib is whitish; some straight lateral veins ascend to the margins. Leaf margins are irregularly toothed and rolled under.

Dense many-flowered clusters of developing buds can be seen at a couple of stem tips, in picture still among the leaves (Manning, 2007; Clarke and Mackenzie, 2007; iSpot; JSTOR).