Called evergreen but may go partially deciduous. Bark takes on a black pebbly look with age and is very handsome. Moderate rate of growth. Branchlets drooping, leaves glossy oval, pointed. Spring foliage is lime green, summer foliage is dark green and fall and winter foliage can be yellow, gold, red or orange.
Tree is almost always ornamental in the landscape.
Flowers are very showy in the early winter. Will see large clusters of white flowers, sometime twice a year. Fruit is smaller than olives and not edible nor ornamental. Species is very susceptible to fire blight, especially during wet years. Tree has an open habit of growth.