May be single or multi-trunked. Foliage is medium to light green in color. Species goes deciduous in January or February, sometimes even later. Very showy lavender or white flowers come out in late May early June, refoliates after flowering. Flowers in panicles 6 to 12 inch long contain lots of nectar.
Fruit is a flat brown woody, rounded pod.
Plants make great accent and are used in massing, as specimens and street trees. They are good in informal or formal garden and recommended for residential gardens. Not choosy to growing conditions, will take 3rd exposure seacoast and will thrive in the inland valley. Considered to be half hardy. Wood is very weak and it should not be planted in windy locations.