Wingspan 15 to 21 mm. The adults are rather similar to other Agonopterix species and can be difficult to determine without dissection.

Areas where the larval foodplant is found.

The adults of this species fly between April and June, and are sometimes attracted to mercury vapour light.

The foodplant is broom, the larvae living initially inside the stems, subsequently feeding externally.

Locally scattered throughout most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).