[2] It is a dwarf evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and wide.

japonica, the tree height is usually 1-3 m, but it can reach up to about 4 m; in rare cases it grows to 10 m. The trunk is upright and about 10 cm thick, and the bark is grayish white to pale brown.

The bright green leaves are 10–25 millimetres (0.39–0.98 in) long, oval with a rounded or notched tip.

[6] The species is grown as an ornamental plant, both in its native area and elsewhere in temperate regions around the world.

compacta (Kingsville dwarf boxwood) and similar cultivars are frequently used for bonsai.