Grows to 20-60 ft., difficult to garden under because of heavy surface roots and shade. Erect with single trunk. Branches may grow so long that they droop from their own weight. Foliage bright to deep green, toothed and deeply lobed leaves of variable form, size and shape, often on same tree. Leaves have been used in China for centuries for feeding silkworms.
Fruits are edible, very sweet and juicy.
Tolerate heat and alkaline soil, but grow faster with water and feeding. Produces pollen in prodigious amounts, and is subject to sooty canker disease.