Stiff horizontal branches. Spreading foliage shape with a width of about thirty feet. Leaves have reddish, sometimes winged midrib. 3-13 finely toothed leaflets 1 to 2 inches long. Leaves smell of turpentine when crushed and are a glossy light green.
Fruits are in clusters and are glossy green and juicy at first, becoming bright red when ripening.
The red skin dries to become a papery shell surrounding the seed. The seed is dark brown. Aggressive invader of natural habitats. Is considered an invasive nonindigenous weed pest in Florida. Blooming plant causes sneezing and asthma-like reactions in some people.