Medium-sized tree with branches ascending more steeply, therefore narrower than A. glutinosa. The leaves grow to a size of approx. 10 cm, are obovate with a rounded top and are rounder than those of A. glutinosa. The stalked buds are greyish-violet and the young leaves feel sticky (glutinosa = sticky). The leaves remain on the tree for a long time in the autumn. The flowers are unremarkable, oval, female catkins approx. 5 mm long and brownish-yellow male catkins approx. 7 cm long. Strobiles appear from September onwards and remain on the tree for a long time. The tree has a strong root system, does not stand up well to hard surfaces and is well resistant to wind. Has no problems with severe pruning. Prefers moist to wet soils that are not too poor.