Melaleuca elliptica is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The bark is papery and peels off in strips, revealing a white or cream layer underneath. The leaves are narrow and elliptical, around 1-3 cm long and 2-5 mm wide, with a pointed tip and a slightly curved shape. The flowers are white or cream and occur in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a woody capsule, around 2-4 mm in diameter, which splits open to release the seeds.