The leaves are usually alternate, broad, leathery, lance-shaped, and toothed. The flowers, which are cylindrical or urn-shaped, have five sepals and grow in terminal or axillary (sometimes branched) spikes.

Several species of Pieris, including P. floribunda, P. japonica, and P. taiwanensis, are cultivated as ornamentals. P. japonica, the lily-of-the-valley bush or Japanese andromeda, is especially popular and has several horticultural varieties.