It is a tufted shrub that typically grows to a height of 51–76 mm (2.0–3.0 in) with leaves about 2 mm (0.079 in) long, arranged in two closely overlapping rows, with the bases sheathing the stem.

The flowers are arranged singly in leaf axils and are white, about 5 mm (0.20 in) long and bell-shaped.

[2][3][4] This species was first formally described in 1903 by Leonard Rodway who gave it the name Sprengelia incarnata var.

[5] In 1963, Winifred Curtis raised the variety to species status as Sprengelia distichophylla in The Student's Flora of Tasmania.

[7] This epacris grows in exposed in alpine scrub on the western mountains of Tasmania.