A transcontinental, nitrogen-fixing, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree found along streams or wet sites. Leaves are ovate, rugose, and coarsely doubly serrate. Twigs are red-brown with whitish lenticels. Buds are short-stalked, valvate, and maroon. Fruits are nutlets a in pendant, persistent, semi-woody strobile. Bark is smooth and dark brown with white elongated lenticels.