Woody evergreen shrub or small tree (20-30’ x 15-20’) with narrowly oval, leathery, evergreen leaves. Small fragrant white flowers in the winter, that attracts bees, and blue-black fruit in early spring. Native to southeastern North America and west to eastern Texas. Best near the coast and in well-drained acidic soils.

• P. caroliniana ‘Compacta’ (10-15’ x 6-8’) is a popular smaller form.