[2] It is native to western North America, where it is a common plant growing in many types of habitat, including chaparral and wooded areas.

ilicifolia is a perennial evergreen rambling shrub approaching 4 metres (13 ft) in maximum height.

The plant has a specialized woody growth at the base called a lignotuber that supports adventitious buds for regeneration after fire.

[3] The bark is grey; branches generally ascend and twigs are smooth to finely hairy, the base is rounded and the tip is blunt.

[3] The evergreen leaves provide cover for birds and small mammals and the berries which ripen in late summer and fall are also consumed by wildlife.

It is also available as an ornamental plant, grown for its red berries more than its inconspicuous flowers; It is drought tolerant and easy to maintain.

The Nüwa of the Tehachapi Mountains region of Southern California had used the decoctions of the bark and roots as medicine for coughs and colds and as a laxative.