[3][4][5][6] Pterygopappus lawrencii has a noticeably tufted habit and is easily identified by its sage-green leaves[7] which are no more than 5 mm long.

[9] Pterygopappus lawrencii is found in montane heathlands, alpine vegetation areas and wet screes.

[10] It is also constantly exposed to high winds, snow and low temperatures[10] It is unusual to find an area of P. lawrencii growing as a monoculture as they most often occur within a mosaic of other cushion plant species such as Donatia novae-zelandiae, Dracophyllum minimum, Abrotanella forsteroides and Schizacme archeri.

[7] This ability to grow extremely close and integrate with other cushion plant species is part of the reason for their success in these trying conditions.

They have been found to attract a greater diversity of species in alpine areas compared to non-cushion plants, provide both refuge for arthropods as well as a pollination resource for insects.