Woollsia pungens is an erect shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.2–2 m (7.9 in – 6 ft 6.7 in) and has hairy stems.

[4][5] Antonio José Cavanilles described the species as Epacris pungens in 1797, from material collected in the Sydney district.

[8][9] The genus name (Woollsia) honours William Woolls[3] and the specific epithet (pungens) means "ending in a sharp, hard point".

[10] Genetic analysis indicates that this species is an early offshoot of a lineage that includes Lysinema ciliatum and the genus Epacris.

[11][12] Woollsia pungens grows in heathland with such species as saw banksia (Banksia serrata), mountain devil (Lambertia formosa), grasstree (Xanthorrhoea resinifera), and open sclerophyll forest under such trees as Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita), scribbly gum (E. haemastoma) and red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera).