Form: medium in size reaching 60-70 ft. in height and 2-3 ft. in dbh. Also has a prymidal crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: oval to ovate

Margin: entire

Texture: shiny, dark green and waxy above; rusty, tomentose beneath

Venation: pinnate

Bark: thin, gray to light brown; scaly

Twigs and buds: Tomentose, rusty, and stout; long rusty or paleish terminal buds; stipular scar encircles the twig.

Flowers and fruit: from May to June have showy, fragrant, white flowers; fruit (in Fall) – aggregate of follicles that change from green to red with red seeds

Distinguishing characteristics: Dark shiny green leaves, distinctive fruit aggregate. occurring in the southeast.

Range: North Carolina south to central Florida west to east Texas.

Silvics: tolerant; moist bottoms; bays; rich soils

Ecological and cultural importance: Wood used to make veneer and furniture. Seeds are eaten by small mammals, quail and wild turkey. State tree of Mississippi and state flower of Mississippi and Louisiana.