It reaches sizes of approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall, with fleshy leaves that are linear and simple and can grow up to 1.5 inches long and a trailing stem that hangs down.

and are long and narrow, with the end of the stems increasing into a quantity of isolated small flowers, with diameters ranging from 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in).

University of Arkansas Research and Extension states these native habitat lack in competition with grasses, so as a result are mostly found in dry, salt-tolerant, rocky sites.

This certainly applies to Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, however, many other species of succulent so-called "ice plant" ground covers have smooth and hairless leaves.

Unlike many ice plants, this species is hardy to −20 °F (−29 °C), successfully overwintering at locations such as Denver, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois.

It is known that the interaction of the plant during the fermentation process results in chemical components to change, which converts sugar to oxalic acid and is extremely toxic when ingested.