This is a slender tree or shrub with pale grey bark, growing to 50 ft. in the southern part of its range. Multiple, slender, upright trunks bear picturesque, horizontal branches. Tree has aromatic, spicy foliage and twigs. Leaves are simple, green above and whitish.

Leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen and dark green in the South; tardily deciduous, changing to bronze-purple in the North.

Flowers are followed by dark red aggregate fruits exposing bright red seeds. Blossom opening in the morning and closing at night for 2 or 3 days. This attractive, native ornamental is popular for its fragrant flowers borne over a long period, showy cone like fruit, handsome foliage of contrasting colors, and smooth bark.