Slow to medium rate of growth. Medium texture in leaf but somewhat coarse when deciduous because of stout stems and large buds. Foliage is bright green on both sides during the growing season and a brilliant, magnificent yellow in fall color. All leaves tend to drop almost at once at the end of the growing season. Only have to rake leaves once.
Tree is dioecious.
Flowers are catkins. Fruit on females are considered to be a naked seed and plum like in appearance. Seeds are edible when roasted and are considered a delicacy in Asia. Will take any soil type and tolerant of many adverse conditions. Species is considered to be a living fossil.