[6] The fully grown tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 feet) tall, exceptionally 45 m (150 ft).

The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

[9]: 490 The genus name Melia is derived from μελία (melía), the Greek word used by Theophrastus (c. 371 – c. 287 BC) for Fraxinus ornus,[10][11] which has similar leaves.

[16] Fungal plant pathogen Pseudocercospora subsessilis is found on the leaves of the tree,[17] causing leaf spots.

Although, according to the USDA, the tree exists as far up north as New York(Distribution data) The plant was introduced around 1830 as an ornamental in the United States (South Carolina and Georgia) and widely planted in southern states, where its leaves were used to repel insects and its berries were used for home-made whiskey and soap.

[21] The fragrant lilac flowers and yellow fruits of White Cedar make it an appealing ornamental tree.

It has naturalized in parts of Australia and in New Zealand, but it is classed as 'weed',[23] since it has the ability to colonise an area (with bird dropped seed) if left unchecked.

Melia azedarach, in keeping with other members of the family Meliaceae, has a timber of high quality, but in comparison to many almost-extinct species of mahogany, it is under-utilised.

The cut branches with mature fruit are sold commercially to the florist and landscaping trade particularly as a component for outdoor holiday décor.

The processes of mastication and digestion, and the degree of immunity to the particular toxins, vary widely between species, and there will accordingly be great variation in the clinical symptoms following ingestion.

[29][page needed] According to Chinese medical literature, human poisoning can occur if 6 - 9 fruits, 30 - 40 seeds, or 400 grams of the bark are eaten.

They may include loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, bloody faeces, stomach pain, pulmonary congestion, cardiac arrest, rigidity, lack of coordination and general weakness.