A hardy perennial evergreen or deciduous shrub that is native to large portions of the southern United States and also ranges in other warm and tropical parts of the Americas. It has pine barrens and other dry, acid, sandy soils in sun or partial shade. The plant bears leathery, three-inch, fine-toothed leaves and yellow-green flowers that may bloom all year in the warmer climates, and the plant can grow up to four feet in height.

In traditional medicine Stillingia root has been used for treating bronchial congestion, laryngitis, hacking cough as well as croup, and chronic periosteal rheumatism.