A tussock-forming perennial with no above ground trunk but many branched below the surface. Multiple above ground leafy tufts are common from each crown. Small Grasstree is confined to Coastal Heathland along the Jan Juc cliff top where it occurs infrequently and mostly as isolated individuals.
Leaves are rigid, long, linear, grass-like; triangular in cross-section. Mature outer leaves often arching.
Flowers are produced terminally on a long flower spike from mid spring with multiple flower-spikes common from each plant. Flowers are heavily scented and attract an array of insects and nectar-feeding birds.