Shrubs or trees, 10–90 dm. Leaves: petiole 3–10 mm; blade ovate to suborbiculate, 1.6–6 × 1.2–4 cm, margins undulate, spinose-dentate to spinose-serrulate. Drupes dark red to purple, 12–18 mm.

Flowering Apr–May; fruiting Aug–Nov. Chaparral, woodlands, canyons, slopes, and ridges; 0–1600 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).

Variety ilicifolia is widely cultivated in California because of its persistent, dark green, hollylike foliage.