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 lanuginosa is one of twelve species in the genus Berzelia in the Bruniaceae family, one of the few families that is endemic to the Cape floral kingdom and the Western Cape. Berzelia lanuginosa is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 m high. It has slender branches and a spreading or upright habit. The small, narrow leaves are closely arranged in whorls up the stem. The flowers are usually clustered in terminal heads on short branches. The flower colour is creamy white to yellow, and flowers from June to November. After flowering, it has attractive, creamy white seeds which stay on the shrub for at least one to two years. It is a beautiful and relatively hardy species, suitable for growing in pots and seepage areas.