Its habitat consists of coastal sage scrub and chaparral.

pirifolia is a spreading shrublike tree which approaches 10 meters-30 feet in maximum height.

It has gray bark on its branches and the young twigs are purple in color.

The thick evergreen leaves are oval in shape with pointed or nearly rounded tips, measuring 2 to 4 centimeters long.

The edges are smooth or toothed and curve under, making the leaves concave.