Exocarpos menziesii is a shrub or small tree, typically 0.5–2 meters tall. The stems are densely branched, especially toward the ends, with the tips conspicuously maroon-tinged. The leaves are simple, usually scale-like, though occasionally a few foliaceous (leafy) ones are present. They are alternate, rarely sub-opposite. Foliaceous leaves are elliptic to oblanceolate, 10–14(–25) mm long and 3–6 mm wide. The base is cuneate to attenuate, and the margins are entire. Secondary veins arise at the leaf base and run parallel to the midrib. The leaves are sessile, and stipules are absent. The flowers occur in terminal and axillary spikes and are bisexual (perfect). The calyx (sepals) is absent. The corolla consists of 5 red petals, each about 3 mm long. There are (4–)5 stamens, which are more or less similar in shape. The ovary is partly superior, embedded in a fleshy receptacle. One ovule is embedded in the placenta, and it is scarcely differentiated from the placental column, which could be mistaken for a single massive ovule. The fruits are reddish brown to red drupes at maturity, ellipsoid to narrowly ovoid, measuring 7–10 mm long. The exposed portion above the receptacle is 3–6 mm long, with a rounded apex and a small terminal beak or 3 inconspicuous indentations. The drupes are partially embedded in a yellow, fleshy receptacle. It is found in open ‘ahi’o shrubland or on lava flows with sparse vegetation between 1,400–2,100 meters.