Thick, leathery leaves are glossy dark green above, rust colored underneath and usually hairy or felt-like. No fall color change. Stout young stems have rust-colored hairs, green to pale green.
Mature stem is grayish brown and has lost hairs.
Conical buds are large and covered with silky hairs. Older bark is scaly and aromatic. Single white flowers 6-10 inches across, usually have six thick petals that may be tinged with purple at base. Showy flowers fragrant, used for cutting. Trees grown from seed may not flower until 15-20 years old.