It is a round-headed tree that grows to 50 feet. Numerous cultivars are available in the nursery trade. 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.