The stem is often crooked, but in some areas the tree is straight. The bark, varying from pale pinkish-brown to dark bluish gray, is somewhat rough and exfoliates in irregular thin soft scales. Leaves are pinnately trifoliate, smooth above and lightly pubescent below. Leaf margins are entire. May. The previous years branches generally do not bear flowers.
Branches bearing flowers are leafless, while others retain leaves.
Flowering trees are conspicuous and afford a beautiful sight. Pods have a distinct scam, are 5-10 cm long and 1 cm wide. They mature and ripen in May to June and fall chiefly in June. Normally, pods remain closed until seeds germinate. Mature pods yield 2-5 viable seeds.