Willowy tree up to 4m with fairly bare stem, bark pale brown with whitish markings. Leaves alternate, pinnate, each compound leaf comprises 7-11 needle-like leaflets, 2-3cm long; leaves aromatic when crushed. Lilac-blue and white pea-shaped sweetly-scented flowers occur in clusters towards the ends of the branches.

Fruit a much-reduced small pod only about 5x3 mm, remaining hidden inside the remains of the persistent calyx.

Visited by carpenter bees.

Common name Fountain Bush refers to the fact that this species is frequently found growing around springs and fringing vleis.