Macowania corymbosa is a tall, single-stemmed shrub, growing up to about 1.2 m high and with a tree-like shape; the slender main stem branching to form a ‘canopy’ of leafy branches. The stems and branches are greyish brown and covered with fine glandular hairs. The older branches are rough and covered with the remains of old leaf-bases.

The leaves are dark green, long and narrow and densely clustered on the branches. The very regular arrangement of the leaves produces a visually very pleasing effect. A close look shows that the leaves are only dark green on their upper surfaces, which are also covered in fine, hair-like glands. The leaf margins are rolled around the lower surface, which is covered with soft white wool except for the pronounced midrib.

The typical daisy flowerheads are grouped in small clusters at the branch tips, and the flowers are lemon-yellow. The involucral bracts are pale, with striking dark brown margins. The buds form an attractive arrangement of pale, spherical structures. The main flowering period is in winter (June–August).

The old flowers wither while the small, light fruits are developing. These are dry and with a small, feathery pappus to aid in dispersal.