This attractive and easily grown evergreen tree is a native of the Mediterranean region, Asia minor and Ireland. It is a small, rounded, densely foliaged tree or large shrub, growing to a maximum height of 7 m with a width of 6 m, but rarely exceeding 5 m. It is a good shade tree, preferring a moist soil. It is frost tolerant as well as being moderately tolerant of drought, shading and salt spray.
It is tolerant of most soil conditions, but alkaline or waterlogged soils should be avoided. It can tolerate some salt winds, and most climates, but with the exception of tropical climates. In New Zealand it volunteers itself as an understorey to Pinus radiate.
The fruits, like round berries, ripen during autumn and winter and are edible when red. The fruit can take up to 12 months to ripen, therefore trees often have flowers, as well as green, white, yellow and red fruits at the same time. They can be eaten raw, preserved, made into syrup, wine, brandy, liqueurs, or made into a cider - like drink. The Irish strawberry also has some value as part of a bee forage system. The bark leaves and fruit are used for tanning. The plant can be planted densely and kept as a hedge.
Trees are grown from seed, and for best results a pollinator is desirable.