This plant is fairly common throughout the southern Appalachians. Its heart-shaped, evergreen, leathery leaves are used for Christmas decorations. Some say there is a definite earthy or musky odor associated with the plants. The plants produce a 10-20 inch stalk of white flowers, usually in June.

Galax belongs to the same family (Diapensiaceae) as the Oconee Bells and Pixie Moss.