Helichrysum patulum has alternate, fiddle-shaped or obovate leaves with wavy and irregularly serrated margins that are rolled under. The foliage is pleasantly aromatic. There is a velvety covering on the upper surface of the grey-green leaves and a dense, woolly or felted one on the lower whitish surface. The leaves are sessile and lobed or eared at the base, clasping the stem.

The stems are soft, whitish and woolly (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984).