Form: Small tree with spreading branches.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; pinnately compound

Shape: lanceolate

Margin: entire

Texture: leaflets pubescent below

Venation: parallel

Bark: gray-brown; scaly; lenticellate

Twigs and buds: twigs covered with fine, velvety, reddish brown hair

Flowers and fruit: yellowish-green found in panicles. Fruit is a terminal cluster of reddish drupes.

Distinguishing characteristics: winged rachis, multiple leaflets, persistent fruit clusters.

Range: Eastern United States

Silvics: intolerant; dry uplands; woods borders

Ecological and cultural importance: Landscape plant; Leaves can be steeped for a lemonade type drink; Native Americans use the bark for an astringent and leaves and roots mixed with tobacco for smoking. Aids in erosion control.