Winter buds are small, and terminal buds are absent. Leaves are alternate with toothed, or entire, leaf margins. Unisexual and bisexual flowers are borne on the same plant.
Fruit is a drupe.
Key to Celtis Species I. Leaves are usually uneven at the base. Teeth are missing on the lower third of the leaf margin. Buds are flattened against the twig. Pith is diaphragmed or intermittently chambered. Flowers are small and inconspicuous.