The leaves are alternate, leathery, glossy yellow-green above, paler and matte below, 6–14 cm (2–6 in) long, oval with a smooth margin.

The dark purple or black berries can be 6–7 mm long and appear in mid-summer, ripening from autumn to winter.

It is widely cultivated both in New Zealand and in other areas with mild oceanic climates such as the south coast of Great Britain and the Faroe Islands,[5] where it is valued for its tolerance of salt carried on sea gales.

[6] The Latin specific epithet littoralis means 'growing by the sea',[7] and in its native New Zealand it is to be found in large numbers in coastal areas.

[8] Griselinia littoralis is found throughout New Zealand from sea level up to 900 m altitude and ranges from far north to Stewart Island geographically.

[4] Griselinia littoralis is native to New Zealand and is found throughout the country particularly in coastal exposed areas,[10] as it is a hardy plant that tolerates sea breeze and wind exposure.

Following flowering, small blackish berries are formed, as long as male and female Griselinia littoralis are located in the same area so pollination can occur.

[12] Birds are a vector in spreading the seeds around the area, minimizing competition within the same species for water, sunlight and nutrients.

[14] The flowers are borne on the slim twigs and they are very small, the color is green, they always appear from late spring to mid-summer.

These predators graze on the leaves of this species however Griselinia littoralis is generally a healthy and dense shrub that withstands foraging adequately.

[9] Griselinia littoralis is commonly used as a hedge or screen as it is a hardy shrub that can be clipped back easily and looks good all year round with minimal maintenance.

[8] In cultivation in the UK, Griselinia littoralis and the cultivar 'Variegata' [17] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.