Coprosma virescens is endemic to the North and South Islands from the ranges east of Gisborne, and especially around Taihape south. It is scarce in Nelson and apparently absent from Marlborough and absent from Westland, but is common in Canterbury south to Southland.
It grows in lowland to lower montane areas in forest and shrubland, on well drained to poorly draining fertile soils. It is an attractive divaricating orangeish or olive green bushy shrub with extremely tangled wide-angled branches growing 2-3m tall. It has pairs of small pointed oval leaves on flattened leaf stalks. Female plants bear white fruit with small black dots from May to July after flowering from September to November.  It is an excellent garden plant suitable for growing as a specimen, in groups or for hedging.  It does best in full sun but will tolerate moderate shade. Should be planted in a free draining but moist, fertile soil, but can be tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions.