Symplocos tinctoria (the common sweetleaf,[3] horse-sugar, or yellowwood) is a deciduous or evergreen shrub or tree.

It is recognized by pith of twigs chambered; by foliage not notably aromatic when bruised, leaves finely hairy beneath.

The largest first-year twigs are under 3 mm across, terminal buds with acute tip, scales ciliate.

Fruits nearly cylindrical to ellipsoid drupes 8–12 mm long, with thin pulp and a hard stone containing one seed; the tip usually retaining parts of the sepals.

[4] Symplocos tinctoria is native to the southern and eastern United States, to an area from Oklahoma east to Florida and north to Maryland.