Form: Medium-sized tree reaching 50 ft. tall and 2 ft. dbh. It has a rounded crown with heavy branches.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: opposite; pinnate-netted

Shape: cordate to oval with an acuminate tip

Margin: entire with ciliate margin

Texture: thick, velvety pubescence

Venation: pinnate

Bark: Smooth and dotted with lenticels when young, becoming gray and furrowed with alternating smooth patches with age.

Twigs and buds: Pubescent, light brown and stout with lenticels, closed bundle scars and elliptical leaf scars, bud scales absent on terminal buds.

Flowers and fruit: Fruit is a yellowish capsule & remains over winter

Distinguishing characteristics: Heart-shaped, large leaves (note penny on seedling leaf in image at right), very sticky seeds, pinkish purple flowers.

Range: Native to China and planted in US as an ornamental tree

Silvics: Intolerant; moist slopes and stream banks

Ecological and cultural importance: Invasive species along roadsides, waterways, and pastures. However, the wood can is quite valuable.