[1] It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats below 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), in the South Coast region and Peninsular Ranges.

[1][3] Tetracoccus dioicus is an erect shrub reaching about 2 metres (6.6 ft).

[3] The stiff, leathery, yellowish-green leaves are opposite or clustered, often in threes, and they may be rolled lengthwise.

[3] The shrub bears staminate and pistillate flowers with red-yellow structures.

[1] It produces distinctive four-lobed fruits which ripen to a bright red color.