Purshia tridentata is a deciduous shrub growing to a height of 1–5 metres (3+1⁄2–16+1⁄2 feet).

It has many branches and slender green,[5] three- to five-lobed leaves 5–20 millimetres (1⁄4–3⁄4 in) long.

[7] There are two named varieties of the species: The plant is found from southeastern British Columbia in the north, east to Montana and Wyoming, south to New Mexico, and west in California.

[3] It grows on arid mountainsides and slopes, as well as rocky or drained soils with somewhat more moisture than the sagebrush steppe.

[11] The shrub is an important forage plant for many game animals, including deer,[5] especially during the winter.