Prunus salicina grows up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall, and it has reddish-brown shoots. The leaves are 6–12 cm long and 2.5–5 cm broad, with serrate margins. The flowers are produced in early spring, each about 2 cm in diameter with five white petals. The fruit is a drupe, 4–7 cm in diameter with yellow-pink flesh. It can be harvested in the summer. When fully ripe it can be eaten raw.