Pseudognaphalium californicum is an annual or biennial herb growing a branching stem reaching 20 to 80 centimeters in height.
Stem branches bear linear to somewhat lance-shaped leaves 2 to 20 centimeters long.
The green herbage is glandular and scented.
The leaves produce a distinctive aroma like maple syrup.

The inflorescence is a wide cluster of flower heads, each enveloped in an involucre of rows of bright white phyllaries.
Pseudognaphalium californicum is an annual or biennial herb growing a branching stem reaching 20 to 80 centimeters in height. Stem branches bear linear to somewhat lance-shaped leaves 2 to 20 centimeters long. The green herbage is glandular and scented. The leaves produce a distinctive aroma like maple syrup.
The inflorescence is a wide cluster of flower heads, each enveloped in an involucre of rows of bright white phyllaries.
Pseudognaphalium californicum