The fine, elegant texture is attractive even in winter. Base selection of cultivar on height, growth habit, fruit size, and fall color. A. x grandiflora is also recommended. The shape of this tree is variable, but generally spreading and open. Multiple stems are common.
Flowers are very showy and similar to the Japanese tree lilac.
Fruit forms only on female trees and looks like loose clusters of grapes. Autumn color is yellowish and variable. The bark becomes ridged and heavy as the tree matures. Mature specimens have horizontal branching. Textured, exfoliating bark is attractive in winter.