Leaves are alternate, simple, pinnately-veined, rhombic to ovate, 1 1/2-3 in long, and double serrate. Grows up to 70 feet tall. Bark is smooth on young trees and salmon to rust colored. Develops papery scales that become more coarse in older trees. Has reddish-green large male catkins and smaller upright green female catkins. Grows hairy cone-like reddish-brown fruit with 3 winged seeds. Leaves turn from light green to bright yellow in the Fall.