Osmanthus heterophyllus, also called common false holly, is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub, with a compact, oval to columnar habit. The leaves are glossy, blue-green in spring and dark green in summer. They are usually leathery and fairly sharp-toothed, although older specimens often have smooth-edged leaves. This false holly flowers from September to mid-November, with abundant, small, white, sweet-smelling flowers. It likes a position in full sun or partial shade, does well in almost any soil that is not too wet. It requires little maintenance, is an average grower, reasonably to good hardy and occasionally small, blue-black fruits follow in the autumn. It is a good bee and coastal plant, disease resistant and air pollution tolerant.