Leaves are opposite, ovate to oblong, abruptly acuminate with a callose tip at the apex, broadly cuneate at the base, serrulate with callose incurved tips, chartaceous.

Flowers in May to June, in axillary pendulous long-peduncled sparsely 10-30 flowered cymes on new shoots.

Capsules ripening purplish-red in September.

It is widely found in the cool-temperate and subalpine zone, preferring rich moist soils.

The wood is used for sticks. It is planted for ornamental purpose.

Distribution ; Hokkaido, Honshu (Chuubu to north), South Kuriles, Korea, Manchuria, Ussuri