The stem-tips of Helichrysum populifolium are white-felted to velvety. Hair density and maybe softness varies on the upper leaves, both with age and visibility in variable light and viewing angles.

The young leaves soon spread, starting off concave above. The midrib and lateral veins are whitish, conspicuous only in the lower leaf-part, while becoming obscure towards the margins.

One petiole in picture is channelled in its lower part (Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).