A large tree with a spreading crown which is important for lumber, veneer, and pulp. It is intolerant to moderately tolerant on bottomland sites throughout the eastern U.S. except northern New England and the northern Lake States. Leaves are simple, deciduous, alternate, palmately 3-5 lobed with broad, shallow sinuses and margins that are prominently toothed. Petioles are enlarged at the base and enclose the bud. Stipules are leaflike. Leaf scars surround the bud and stipule scars encircle the twig. Buds are divergent and resinous with a cap-like scale. Fruit is a head of elongated achenes about 1" in diameter borne singly on long stalks (3"-6") that ripen in the fall. Bark is scaly with exfoliating brown outer layers which expose creamy white inner layers.