Lipochaeta venosa is a semi-woody shrub usually described as low or trailing. The semi-prostrate stems may be up to 50 cm (20 in) long. The species is at least partly deciduous, reportedly losing most leaves during drought periods. Data are insufficient to determine if leaf-drop is a predictable annual event. Leaves are generally 2 to 3 cm (1 in) long, but the leaf shape is variable. Leaves are generally deltate, usually with basal lobes. Some have deeply dissected margins and others are entire. The yellow flowers occur in small heads of 4 to 6 ray florets and 20 to 30 disk florets. Seeds are often spotted with purple