Semi-erect, untidy, woody shrublet up to 50cm. Leaves overlapping, crowded and needle-like, running up the stem to the flowerhead. Racemes of one to a few, blue or purple flowers arise in the axils of leaves on naked stalks; flowers have 5 petals, 3 larger ones below and 2 small upper.

Latin: pinus = pine-tree: referring to the needle-like leaves of this species.

In most lobelias the corolla is split to the base with the stamens arching through.