The small leaves of Erica subdivaricata ascend more than spread in whorls of four around the stems. The leaves are sufficiently spaced for the reddish, hairy stems to be visible.
The leaves are narrowly oblong to needle-like although stubby from their margins being rolled under. Hair-like protrusions are sometimes visible on the leaf-tips (Manning and Helme, 2024; Marais, (Ed.), 2017; Bean and Johns, 2005; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; Kidd, 1983; iNaturalist).