Leaves are narrow or broad spoon-shaped, moderately or densely hairy, with lower leaves often forming a rosette. Flower heads are in dense terminal clusters. Four varieties are currently recognized because of their distinct plant stature, density of hairs, shape of leaves, and size and color of flower heads. It can be found on sand dunes and coastal habitats to high elevation lava fields. The dried fragrant leaves were stored with feather standards, kahili, to repel insects.
Varieties range from a tall herb with a few upright stems to a smaller, denser rosette-form.
The different varieties offer options for meeting specific landscape requirements. All varieties are suitable for rock gardens and xeriscapes. It is best suited for coastal or lowland areas and will do poorly in cloudy, wet, mauka areas. Consult a local garden shop for an appropriate fungicide. The Painted Lady Butterfly caterpillar may also be a pest.