Form: Shrub that can reach up to 8 ft. in height and having an open and rounded crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: opposite; simple

Shape: ovate

Margin: coarsely serrate

Texture: tomentose below

Venation: pinnate

Bark: Light brown and exfoliating.

Twigs and buds: glabrous, light brown to brown, leaf scar shallow

Flowers and fruit: Small white flowers in flat topped or rounded clusters. Fruit is a ribbed brown capsules

Distinguishing characteristics: shrub, white flowers, opposite arrangement, remains of fruit retained year round.

Range: Eastern Half of the U.S.

Silvics: Rich, damp soils of a deciduous forest.

Ecological and cultural importance: Native Americans used to used the roots for a variety of medicinal applications.