[2] Nothofagus rutila is a deciduous shrub or small tree which grows from 1.5 to 10 meters tall.

[2] Nothofagus rutila grows in the Chilean Coast Range (Cordillera de la Costa) northwest of Santiago in Chacabuco, Quillota, and San Felipe de Aconcagua provinces.

It has been found at Cerro El Roble, Caleu, Cuesta La Dormida, and Chicauma.

On Cerro El Roble it grows in nearly pure stands at 2,200 metres elevation.

In other places, including Caleu and Cuesta La Dormida, it grows among other shrubs and low trees.