Small tree or large shrub to 10 m high by 6 m across. Leaves are grey, bipinnate and leaflets are linear. Profuse, gold, ball-shaped flowers occur in late winter.
Pods are bluish when young.
Two other foliage forms are in cultivation. One has purplish leaves and has been known as Acacia baileyana var. NSW, but naturalized in other areas. From scarified seed or boiling water treatment, or cuttings of fancy foliage types. Suited to most soils.