Petrophile pulchella is a small to medium shrub that can grow up to 3 metres high.

The leaves are terete (rounded in cross-section) and divided into segments. The small flowers are cream in colour and occur in elongated clusters about 30 - 40mm long at the ends of the branches.

Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer. The fruit is an elongated cone shape containing numerous seeds, protected by woody bracts. The fruits remain on the plant for an indefinite period and only release the seeds after a fire or the death of the plant.

Petrophiles are not often cultivated, but this species makes an interesting, if not spectacular, addition to a native garden.

It performs best in a well drained location, in full sun or light shade.