Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound with three (rarely 5) ovate or obovate leaflets that are 2 to 4 inches long. Leaflet margins are serrate.Flower is green-white, bell-shaped and small, borne on dangling 2 inch long panicles in April or May. A very unique 1 1/2 inch, 3-lobed, papery capsule that looks inflated. The inflated bag contains several hard, small brown seeds. Matures in September. Slender branches, green to brown in color, with a large white pith. Buds are brown, 4-scaled, ovoid and may be stalked. Bark is green-gray in color with white furrows. A large shrub or small tree that is heavily branched and suckers readily, forming a thicket.

Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked. They are eaten like pistachios. The seed can be used in place of walnuts  in making chocolate-chip cookies. A sweet edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is used for cooking purposes.

Medical Uses: An infusion of the powdered bark has been used as a wash for sore faces.

Other Uses: "Plants have dense underground root systems and are of some value in erosion control.

Herbal Uses: Unknown