This is a rare tree in the Yosemite region and it will probably not be noted within park boundaries by the average visitor. However, it is occasionally found along the western boundary in the vicinity of El Portal, and may be seen along the All Year Highway in that area, growing in moist soils along streams.

It is usually a crooked tree and rarely attains a size greater than twenty-five feet in height and six to ten inches in diameter. The bark is thick and soft, deeply furrowed and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are opposite on the branches, six to twelve inches long and compound— with from five to seven leaflets. These leaflets are each from one-half to one and one-half inches wide, oval in outline and often toothed above the middle.

Male and female flowers are borne on separate. trees and appear before the leaves. The fruit, consisting of a small seed with an elongated wing, is borne in clusters and is from one to two inches long.