Celmisia asteliifolia is a common alpine and subalpine rosette herb, especially in the eastern mountains and Central Plateau.

The narrow leaves are variable in size but are often long (up to 18 cm). While older leaves may be shining and glabrous on the upper surface, younger leaves are typically covered in webby hairs. The leaves are ± folded about the midrib, which is more obvious on the lower surface.