Fringe-Tree is a shrub or small tree. Its preferred habitat is dry woods and open rock out-crops. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

The leaves are opposite on the stem, consisting of one whole part, stalked, elliptic to obovate in form; no teeth and no lobes. The leaf tip usually tapers and slightly twisted to the right (sides less than equal), with base wedge-shaped or rounded.

The flowers are panicle. Each flower is bisexual in nature and symmetrical in form; four sepals, four petals, two stamens. The color is white to cream. Flowers occur in early spring, often before the leaves emerge.

Fruit is a drupe.