Moderate to rapid rate of growth. Fine to medium texture. Single or multiple trunks. Handsome exfoliating bark, brown to cinnamon colored. Tiny flowers yellowish white in summer and fall, not showy.
Fruit are small, red, and berry-like that look like peppercorns.
Fruit make their appearance in fall and CalTrans uses this species. Planted as ornamentals by the Mission fathers. Have naturalized themselves. Will take almost any kind of conditions. Not bothered by heat, aridity or drought.