Patē is a small, spreading tree up to 8 m (26 ft) high with stout branches.

The inflorescence is a large, multi-branched panicle up to 35 cm across, with umbels of small greenish flowers arising at irregular intervals along its length.

Wood rose is threatened with extinction, which is thought to be due to several factors including the poaching of plants for sale as curios.

Although patē is easy to grow in New Zealand, it is not popular in cultivation, as its thin, soft foliage cannot match the glossy attractiveness of the similar Pseudopanax species, nor that of the Australian species Heptapleurum actinophyllum, which is also easy to grow in the North Island.

S. digitata is sometimes grown by Northern Hemisphere gardeners thinking it may be relatively hardy, but like many New Zealand trees, patē is not tolerant of prolonged cold conditions.