A medium-sized, fast growing, relatively short-lived tree and a common pioneer species on a variety of sites. It is an important pulp species that sprouts vigorously and provides food for beavers, deer, rabbits, and grouse. Leaves are up to 3" long, broadly ovate, glabrous, with a flattened petiole and finely crenate-serrate margins. Twigs are slender, red-brown, and shiny with slightly resinous, appressed, sharp-pointed buds. Bark is initially smooth and greenish-white to cream-colored, becoming a furrowed dark brown or gray.