L. nitida is a
broadleaf evergreen shrub tall and wide if unclipped, with dark green, small leaves (6–16 millimeters long). The creamy white, fragrant
flowers, appearing at the end of spring, are 6 millimeters long, and grow in pairs. The
fruit (rarely formed on clipped specimens) is an inedible bluish-purple berry about 6 millimeters in
diameter. The
stems are layered one on top of the other giving the appearance of a haystack. The growth rate is moderate or fast growing. While resistant to deer and rabbits, it is attractive to birds. When planted, the species is easy to clip and needs frequent clipping because it flops if it grows to a height over 5 feet. The species is commonly confused with
Cotoneaster species. The difference between the two is that
Cotoneaster has alternate leaves while this species has opposite leaves. The Latin
specific epithet nitida means "shining', in reference to its glossy leaves.
Cultivars include 'Maigrün', 'Baggesen's Gold' and 'Briloni' (a.k.a. 'Edmee Gold') ==Cultivation==