Symplocos pendula grows as a tree up to 24 metres (80 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 30 centimetres (12 in). Bark is dark brown. Its fragrant flowers feature a white, cream or pink corolla. Fruit is reddish green. Habitat is montane forests from 800 metres (2,600 ft) to 3,400 metres (11,200 ft) altitude. S. pendula is found in Japan, China, Taiwan, Burma, Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia.