Grows at slow to moderate rate from 12 to 20 feet high and spreads at least half as wide unless pruned back. In most gardens, it reaches 8-10 feet. Small glossy leaves, bronze in spring, bright green in summer and golden in fall. Blossoms on most varieties are red. Fruit is filled with seeds surrounded by pale red translucent pulp.
Seeds are very sweet and can be chewed or used to make a delicious jelly.
Tough, durable, long lived. Tolerates hot winds, drought, salty soils, intense sun and cold winters. Easy to grow and withstands neglect once established. Resistant to Texas root rot and other fungus diseases. Internal black rot may enter through blossoms and decay fruit.