Bertiera includes shrubs and small trees with well developed, generally persistent tubular stipules with the interpetiolar portion triangular and acute; terminal thyrsiform inflorescences with dichasial axes or often with the higher order axes characteristically scorpioid, and with the bracts short to well developed; sessile, bisexual, homostylous flowers with secondary pollen presentation; 5 calyx lobes, corolla, lobes, and stamens; tubular-funnelform, white to yellow or greenish corollas that are characteristically acuminate or apiculate in bud, with the lobes often acuminate; and blue to blue-black berry fruits with numerous small angled seeds. The form of the flower buds is usually characteristic, though those of some Vanguerieae may be similar.
The identity and correct name of Bertiera crinita were clarified by Wittle & Daves (2010), before their work the identification of these plants was problematic. In particular Bertiera crinita has sometimes been confused with Gaertnera phanerophlebia Baker, which is quite similar in its pubescence, tubular stipules, and general aspect including inflorescence form; Gaertnera phanerophlebia can be separated by its flowers and fruits with superior ovaries.