Size: tree, 50-75' average height and spread at maturity (can reach 150' high)
Buds: terminal bud larger than laterals, which form catkins when superimposed
Leaves: deciduous, alternate, entire 1-2', compound, 11-23 leaflets, each leaflet 2-5" long and .75-2" wide, terminal leaflet often missing, ovate-oblong to ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, irregularly serrate, shiny dark green on top, nearly glabrous when mature, pubescent beneath, fragrant when crushed
Twigs: stout with light brown chambered pith, large leaf scars
Flowering: monoecious, male catkins, female spikes
Fruit: green, round, 1.5-2.5", contains blackish nut
Bark: dark brown to gray black, narrow furrows and thin ridges forming diamond pattern
