multi-stemmed, densely branched, rounded shrub that is evergreen in warmer climates, otherwise losing its leaves in the fall. Young stems are fuzzy and reddish brown becoming smooth, shiny and flaky with age. Gray green fragrant leaves are small and fern like appearing very feathery, although they are thick and sticky to the touch. The fragrant, white 5-petal rose like flowers have yellow stamen and are grouped together forming a pyramidal lilac like inflorescence at the ends of erect branches.