The erect, branched stems of Hermbstaedtia glauca are thin but numerous, performing much of the plant’s photosynthesis. The plant conserves moisture effectively, an important attribute in its arid Namaqualand environment. The glaucous or blue-green stems (and leaves) gave the plant its specific name of glauca.

Stems are usually more prevalent than leaves. The alternate leaves are linear to oblong with entire margins, up to 25 mm long and 2 mm wide (Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).