Size: shrub, 8-10' average height, 10-12' spread
Buds: imbricate, flower buds fusiform, in clusters at nodes
Leaves: deciduous, opposite, 3-5" long, 1.5-2.5" wide, simple, ovate-lanceolate, margins usually toothed on upper half, medium to dark green above, lighter below
Twigs: pith solid at nodes, chambered in internodes, conspicuous dcurrent lines, stems often squarish
Flowers: monoecious, up to 1.5" long, yellow, 4 lobes, in clusters of up to 6, bloom in March or April
Fruit: .33" brown capsule
Bark: yellow brown with many lenticels
