The species are small creeping shrubs that are typically anywhere from 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) tall at full growth, forming large patches.

The leaves are evergreen, alternate and simple, ranging amongst the three species from 2 to 10 cm (0.79 to 3.94 in) long.

The flowers are small, white or pink, with a five-lobed tubular corolla which is produced in mid-spring.

All three species are grown as ornamental plants in rockeries, where they require moist, acidic soil.

A hybrid between E. repens and E. asiatica, Epigaea × intertexta has also been developed for garden planting.