Unlike most crassulas which are relatively small succulent plants, Crassula arborescens is an outstanding, squat, succulent shrub that is easily recognizable by its unmistakable blue-grey foliage adorned with reddish spots and often with reddish edges. The tips colouration is more intense in full sun. It has a very attractive appearance in both its natural habitat and cultivated gardens. Clusters of small starry white flowers, aging to pink, sometimes bloom in spring or summer. As it ages, the stout gray trunk and sturdy limbs become massive and thick, and take on the appearance of a miniature tree. It can grow to 1.2-1.5m tall and wide.