Form: This is a spiny flat-topped tree, 25 - 30 ft. in height, 8 ft. dbh.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; bi- to tri-pinnately compound

Shape: ovate - elliptical

Margin: serrate

Texture: glacuous

Venation: parallel

Bark: It has smooth bark, but it is ringed with prickles. 

Twigs and buds: Covered with spines, gray to dark yellow in color, stout; buds have few scales and are small.

Flowers and fruit: The fruit matures in the fall and produces large umbels of purple berries.

Distinguishing characteristics: The rachis has scattered prickles. Also look for the very large compound leaf.

Range: New York south to Florida west to west Texas

Silvics: intermediate tolerance; moist margins of woods, stream banks; often found as thickets; will for  these clumps by root sprouts

Ecological and cultural importance: Pollen used by insects and fruits are used by black bears and birds.