Size: tree, 30-40' average height and spread at maturity
Buds: up to 1", snowy white tomentose, pointed terminal, lateral brownish, flattened
Leaves: deciduous, alternate, 12-32" long, 7-12" wide, simple, oblong obovate, tips acute or obtuse, margins entire, bright green on top, silvery gray and downy underside
Twigs: stout and pubescent when young, later glabrous, sparse branching, stipular line around twig at leaf scars
Flowering: June, enormous, 8-14" across, fragrant, creamy white, monoecious
Fruit: 3" rose-colored egg-shaped or roundish, aggregate of follicles
Bark: smooth, light gray
