Description: Irregularly branching-erect. The branches sometimes coalesce but never produce the lamellate forms found in other Axinellid sponges. The side branches tend to arise at right angles to the main stem, which gives it an untidy, 'bushy', appearance. The branches are circular in cross-section, borne on a thinner, wiry stalk. Up to 15cm high. Pale yellow, deep orange, orange, brownish-yellow or golden-yellow when alive; becomes creamy white in alcohol. The branches are firm, tough and elastic but collapse if compressed when alive. The stalk is wiry. The oscules are small, not numerous, and disposed irregularly on the branches. They become inconspicuous on collection.

Distribution: "British Isles". Also reported from "Sea of Japan; Sea of Okhotsk " In the UK this is a southern species; recently recorded from the Scilly Isles; Lundy; Devon; and Skomer. The type locality is Guernsey.

Distribution Map from NBN: Homaxinella subdola at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Homaxinella subdola at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Homaxinella subdola at World Register of Marine Species.