A medium sized tree with the trunk divided close to the ground.  It forms a spreading flat-topped to rounded crown with graceful ascending branches.  Leaves are alternate, simple, broad-ovate, 3" to 5" across, often wider than long.  They are a lustrous dark green in summer turning yellow-green to yellow in autumn.  Bark matures to black or brownish black with bits of orange peeking through.  It has a moderate growth rate.  The flowers are a striking feature in early spring.