A deciduous tree with smooth grey bark and sticky soft orange-brown young growth, later maturing to dark green leaves. As early as January, it has catkins that give the tree a purple haze before turning yellow. The tree is of practical value in wet areas as it is happy in flooded land where its roots can bind the soil.
Height 20m (66ft), Spread 7m (23ft), 20-50 years to maturity.