The bell-shaped flowerheads of Helichrysum patulum grow in flat-topped clusters, varying much in number per cluster. Their involucral bracts are round-tipped, blunted at the top. This is the main distinction between this species and H. pandurifolium that has pointed bracts. The bracts are white or cream coloured and in-curved in a boat-shaped manner. They are dry and papery, growing in a few rows.

In the flowerhead centres the petals are yellow and hairy. Some yellow styles and stamens can also be seen here (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005).