V. foetidum is a large, dense, rounded shrub that can grow to 10', although old arboretum specimens are reportedly larger. This species is seldom seen in American gardens and there is very little information about the var. ceathoides. The information following is for that of the species. I can only assume that most of the description of the species is also true for the var. ceanthoides. The main difference is that the leaves of var. ceanthoides are smaller. Whether or not this relates to a smaller habit, I am not certain. The foliage is evergreen but can be semi-evergreen to deciduous if grown in colder climates. Leaves can vary dramatically, even on the same plant. Leaves can be rhombic-ovoid (narrow at the base and wider toward the tip) with no serrations or they may have 3 lobes in the upper half of the leaf. Inflorescence is a 2-3" cyme with white flowers and violet anthers. Fruit is scarlet-red, sometimes spotted with cream. Zone 7