The evergreen sumac is a shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 6-10 ft and spreads its branches widely. Its shiny, evergreen, pinnate foliage turns pink in early spring and maroon after frost. The plant has 5-9 fleshy leaflets on stiff stems, with alternate 2-5 1/2 inches long leaves. Its inconspicuous flowers, with five petals, grow in clusters 1-2 inches long at the ends of stout branches and are greenish or white. In mid-September, the fruit is red, broader than long, and covered with fine hairs.

The evergreen sumac can be used to make a nice, thick hedge or screen, but it can also grow tree-like with a long, straight trunk. Only female plants produce flowers and berries. It is fast-growing, generally insect—and disease-free, and drought-tolerant. Although not a true evergreen, its leaves are green through the winter and then drop, to be replaced within a week with a new crop.