Viburnum tinus (subsp. Tinus) is a shrub (rarely a small tree) reaching up to 2-7 m tall, with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are evergreen, persisting 2-3 years, ovate to elliptic, borne in opposite pairs, 4-10 cm long and 2-4 cm broad, with an entire margin. The flowers are small, white or light pink, produced from reddish-pink buds in dense cymes 5-10 cm diameter in the winter. The fragrant flowers are bisexual and pentamerous. The flowering period is from October to June. Pollination is by insects. The fruit is a dark blue-black drupe 5-7 mm long.
This plant is native to the Mediterranean area and Macaronesia, in Europe within (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece), in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya) and in the Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Turkey). Is also present in the Azores and the Canary Islands. It grows mainly in the Mediterranean maquis and in oak forests. It prefers shady, moist areas, at an altitude of 0–800 metres above sea level.
Viburnum tinus is a popular evergreen shrub widely cultivated for its winter flowering habit in regions with mild winters. Several cultivars have been introduced by the horticultural trade; mostly these are similar to the species, but with subtle variations in habit, leaf size or flower colour. As it tolerates pruning well it is often sold as topiary specimens, although even moderate clipping significantly reduces flowering ability.