Form: This is a shrub often seen pruned into hedges.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: opposite, simple

Shape: elliptical

Margin: entire

Texture: leathery

Venation: parallel

Bark: smooth; gray-brown

Twigs and buds: Slender and brown with lenticels. Species had small buds

Flowers and fruit: very fragrant white flowers in terminal panicles; small blue-black berries

Distinguishing characteristics: Semi-evergreen species, leaves elliptical in shape, small buds.

Range: Introduced from China and Japan.

Silvics: grows anywhere, an exotic 

Ecological and cultural importance: Very invasive ornamental that will crowd out native species, fruit eaten by a variety of bird.