Berzelia is a genus consisting of 12 species of upright, wiry stemmed, evergreen shrubs with a dense covering of small, fine, needle-like leaves. The flowers which appear in spring and summer, are minute but are packed in spherical clusters, of which there are several per head of bloom. The flowers are white to cream and, because the stamens extend beyond the tiny petals, the flower heads appear to be studded with protrusions. In cultivation, they are best grown in light well-drained soil with adequate moisture, positioning in full sun. Light trimming will retain the compact form after flowering. Most species are easily propagated from seed or small half-hardened tip cuttings.

Berzelia galpinii is a branched shrub that grows 1-2m with cream flowers that turn red as they age. The large round seed heads make stunning cut flowers. Berzelia was named in honour of Count Jacob J. Berzelius (1779-1845), a renowned Swedish chemist who was the founder of chemical symbols and was also a professor of medicine.