Plant is an upright evergreen large shrub or small tree. Height is usually no more than 20 feet with a trunk diameter of less than six inches. Its preferred habitat is moist woods, bogs and roadsides. Distribution is occasional in the Escambia region.

Leaves are alternate; consisting of one whole part; nearly clasping the stem; widest at the center to oblong; tapering to the tip with sides less than equal but may be short-pointed and pinched; margins are toothed and leaf base is wedge shaped.

Flowers are in the leaf axil; solitary; bisexual; symmetrical in shape; five sepals, five white petals and numerous stamens (occasionally flower petals may appear pinkish). Flower occurs in the summer.

Fruit is a capsule.