Leaves are 3–12 cm long and 2–6.5 cm broad, simple ovate to oblong-elliptic, with a hairy, 0.5–2 cm long petiole. The flowers are white, produced in panicles 3–12 cm long. It creates pure white flowers and strong fragrance when in full blossom, and earns a name as "April Snow". The fruit is a blue-black drupe 1–1.5 cm long and 0.6–1 cm diameter. Fruits are mature and harvested in September - October, Average of 2000 seedlings can be obtained from 1 kilo seeds(2500 seeds).

It is cultivated in many countries as an ornamental tree, valued for its feathery white flowerheads. It's also good for bonsai.

Chionanthus retusus seeds are high in oil content and are potential raw material for industrial oil.