This plant is a source of xanthoxylin which is used in some medical preparations and at one time was used as a folk cure for a toothache. Leaves are alternate, odd-pinnately compound with five to 11 leaflets per leaf. Leaflets are dark green above and pale green beneath. Leaflets are either slightly toothed or entire and pubescent beneath. Foliage is aromatic.
Winter buds are small and superposed.
Buds are reddish and woolly. Leaf scars are white. Young twigs are covered with soft, fine hairs. Branches are covered with prickles that are painful to touch. Prickles are found mostly in pairs below the stipules.