Overall shape is globe of gracefully pendulant branches reaching low to the ground if not pruned up. Growth rate is fast at first and then slows down. Single or multi-trunked trees. Leaves are simple, longer than they are wide, gray green in color. Flowers are white, small and borne in panicles in April.
Fruit are green turning purple and finally black.
Messy on sidewalk. Good plant for background, border, mass, and specimen. Only limitation is messy fruit. It will temporarily stain pavement it falls on. Likes full sun, take any soil type, withstands heat, aridity, seacoast exposure, drought, and is tender to half hardy.