Erect shrub or small tree, 2–5 m high. Phyllodes commonly whorled, linear, narrow-lanceolate, occasionally quadrangular, 0.5–2.5 cm long, 0.5–1.5 mm wide, acuminate, pungent. Flowers in cylindrical spikes, to 2 cm long. Flowers usually Jul.–Dec.
Wim, GleP, VVP, GipP, OtP, WaP, Gold, CVU, GGr, DunT, EGL, WPro, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz. Widespread in southern Victoria, often in moist heathland or woodland, often on sandy soils.
A variant from Jacksons Creek near Sydenham, and possibly Anakie Junction in the Brisbane Ranges, warrants further investigation. It has verticillate and erect rather than spreading phyllodes up to 25 mm long, and flowers in a spike.
