Size: shrub or tree, 30-60' average height at maturity, 15-25' spread
Buds: winter bud scales obtuse at apex, not keeled
Leaves: evergreen, spirally arranged, often 2-ranked, .75-1.25", linear, flattened, usually sickle-shaped, acute or acuminate tips, shiny dark green, 2 narrow pale green bands on underside
Twigs: greenish, surrounded at base by brownish scales
Flowers: usually dioecious, males globose, females look like small stalked conicle buds
Fruit: round juicy red aril surrounding a single brown seed
