This tree grows well only in the lake-effect areas of Ohio. This tree generally performs poorly and is short-lived in Ohio landscapes away from Lake Erie. Winter bud scales are large, white, woolly, and not sticky. Young branches are pubescent. Leaves are odd-pinnate with nine to 15 leaflets.
Stipules are broad and coarsely toothed.
The tree is usually many-branched with smooth, grayish bark. Fruit is orange-red and matures in August or September. Fruit is favored as food for birds and normally is retained until the end of the year.