5-lobed, lobes pointed, glossy dark green above, also glossy below often with hairs in axils of veins, milky sap observed when petiole removed.
Foliage sometimes develops an excellent yellow in fall.
Showy clusters of yellow or greenish-yellow flowers in early spring, before leaves open, each flower about 8 mm diam. Large fruit, glabrous, wings wide spreading. Easy to transplant. Withstands hot dry conditions better than sugar maple. Shallow root system may compete with turf and lift sidewalks.