Small tree with densely branched, broad pyramidal crown to about 6 m. Young twigs are purple, mature bark is green-brown and smooth. Leaves are glossy dark green to grey-green, marked with broad yellow, later cream coloured margins. The margins are smooth or have a few small prickles. The flowers are small and fairly inconspicuous. Despite the name ‘Golden King’, they are female. They are followed by glossy, brownish red, drupes (commonly called ‘berries’) about 8 mm across. Prefers a humic, moist but well-drained soil and tolerates either acidic or calcareous soil. Also suitable for use as tall hedge.