A woody perennial, shrub or small tree, growing up to 10m tall (usually 4m in USDA zone 9b) and wide with very short, thick, trunk (1,2,3,6). The inner bark is tight and smooth and green, with a reddish brown outer bark exfoliating in sheets to reveal the inner bark which is tight and smooth and green (1,2). Twigs are stout, red-brown like the outer bark of the trunk and resinous (2). Leaves are alternately arranged, and drought deciduous (2,6). Leaves which are 1-4cm long and borne on a 1-3cm long petiole are pinnately compound with 5-11 broadly lanceolate leaflets having entire, toothed or serrated margins (1,2) Leaves are also aromatic, producing a distinct citrus odor when crushed and also provide showy fall colors (2,6). In late Spring or early summer before leaves emerge, very small (~3mm) white flowers with a yellow-green tint appear (1,2,3). They are either singly borne or grouped in a cyme or panicle with 2-5 flowers totally ~ 2cm in length (1,2,3). Flowers can be pistillate or staminate (1). In late fall or early winter fruits mature (2,6). They are grey-brown in color, 0.5cm long drupes that split open to release 1 red seed/aril (1, 2,4,6)
