Originally growing in damp places on river banks in the south-eastern part of North America where it forms a big shrub by nature. In culture it usually forms an average-sized tree with an oval-round, dense and compact crown. Eventual height circa 8 m, the crown will then be circa 4 m wide. Sometimes larger specimen can be found. The thick twigs bear non-sticky buds. The opposite leaves unfold with a reddish colour. They can reach 15 cm across and they consist of 5 to 7 palmatifid-compound leaflets, with an obovoid shape. These have deep-lying veins and are shed early in autumn. The pink red flowers sometimes have a yellowish hue and come in upright panicles up to 20 cm long. The tree thrives best in slightly moist soil. Good hardiness but susceptible to salt (for icy roads). Intolerant to hard surfaces.