Small tree up to 15 m high (sometimes may be shrub). The crown is wide, stem short. The bark is thin, smelling. Shoots are thick, hairy, later hairless, with big leaf-scars. Thecore is full and white. Buds are opposite, small, hemispheric, usually there are 3 at the end of the shoot. Leaves are simple. The lamina is entire, 10 to 20 cm long, widely ovate with a tip, heart-shaped on the base. It is thin but firm. The margin is entire. Leaves may have 1 or 2 small side lobs. The underside is light, softly hairy. There are glands in the veins branching (stinky if rubbed). The flowers are in free racemes. The flowers are white-colored with purple spots and yellow longitudinal strips. Flowering in June and July. Shoots: Shoots are thick, hairy, later hairless, with big leaf-scars. The core is full and white. Natural range: Southeast USA; in our area introduced.