It is a small, distinctive pleurocarpous moss with stems that are erect and branches which are spreading, reminiscent of a tiny conifer.

Abietinella abietina is a species which is perennial in terms of growing season, which means it can be found during all months of the year.

The leaves of Abietinella abietina are broadly ovate, patent, and they plicate at the base and they also taper to a long acuminate apex.

The leaves of the branches are rather concave and broadly ovate to lanceolate, with a rather shorter apex.

[2] A similar plant is Thiudium tamarscinum, which is 'tripinnate'; it consists of pinnately compound leaves arranged in a single plane.