Size: shrub, 6-12' average height and spread at maturity
Buds: stalked flower buds (2+) clustered at nodes, these are larger than vegetative buds and have a "teardrop" shape
Leaves: deciduous, alternate, 3-5" long, 1-2.5" wide, simple, oblong-obovate, entire margins, tip acute or sort acuminate, light green in summer, yellow in fall
Twigs: spicy scent when broken, slender, brownish, conspicuous lenticels
Flowers: dioecious, yellow, .2", in axillary clusters, bloom in April before leaves emerge
Fruit: oval drupe, up to .5" long, bright scarlet, appear in September
