According to Australian Plant Census, there are two varieties, which have had various names over the years: Patersonia sericea var. longifolia (syn. Patersonia longifolia) and Patersonia sericea var. sericea. Both varieties occur widely on the south coast. The narrow leaves of the former (1-2mm wide) and mostly smooth and ciliate, differentiate this variety. As with some species, there may be disagreement between Canberra and Sydney!