Tentacled Haplanthodes is an erect annual herb, 1-2 ft tall, with stout stem and ascending densely hairy branches. Leaves can be opposite or alternate. They are ovate, 5-10 cm, hairy, margin wavy, base either rounded or asymmetrically heart-shaped. Leaf stalks are winged, 2-4 cm long. Stalkless flowers are pale violet, 5-6 mm, in two rows, in 5-15 cm long bristly spikes. Flowers are funnel shaped, with 5 petals, hairy outside, streaked with brownish purple lines. Flowering: November-December.