This evergreen shrub is a smaller and more compact version of the species. It grows moderately fast and typically reaches a height of 10 feet with a spread of 3 to 6 feet, but it can be pruned to a smaller size. The plant has attractive, glossy, bright green leaves 2 to 3 inches long and narrowly elliptic with slightly wavy margins. When crushed, the leaves release a distinctive odor of cherries or almond extract. White, sweetly fragrant flowers appear among the foliage in late winter to early spring, followed by purple-black berries.
Plant this shrub in full to part sun in well-drained soil. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant but has shallow roots and benefits from occasional watering. It can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and is known for its tolerance to heat, wind, and dry conditions. This dwarf variety has smaller leaves, tighter branching, and shorter internodes. Due to its durability and compact growth, it is commonly used as a hedge plant in coastal California gardens. It can be pruned into a sizeable narrow screening hedge or shaped into a topiary or column, and it can also be trained as a small tree.
The flowers attract butterflies and bees, while the fall fruit is attractive to birds. However, the plant may not produce flowers and fruit if regularly pruned. It's important to note that all parts of this plant are poisonous, with the leaves containing a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, making them unpalatable to deer and potentially dangerous to livestock. This species is native to coastal Virginia, south to northern Florida, and west to Louisiana and east Texas, up to an elevation of 500 feet.
