Leaf: Opposite, simple, serrated margin, heart-shaped, 4 to 10 inches long, upper surface dull dark green, lower surface slightly paler.
Flower: Flat-topped clusters (4 to 6 inches across) of small white flowers, larger sterile flowers may be present along edges of cluster, appearing in early summer. Fruit: Dry, light brown capsules appearing in early fall. Twig: Moderate, light brown to brown, large white pith, scales present where new branches form, buds 1/8 inch long, leaf scar shallow, U-shape with 3 bundle scars. Bark: Brown, finely shreddy. Form: Small, 3 to 6 feet tall, open shrub with a round crown and many unbranched stems.

Leaf: Opposite, simple, serrated margin, heart-shaped, 4 to 10 inches long, upper surface dull dark green, lower surface slightly paler.
Flower: Flat-topped clusters (4 to 6 inches across) of small white flowers, larger sterile flowers may be present along edges of cluster, appearing in early summer. Fruit: Dry, light brown capsules appearing in early fall. Twig: Moderate, light brown to brown, large white pith, scales present where new branches form, buds 1/8 inch long, leaf scar shallow, U-shape with 3 bundle scars. Bark: Brown, finely shreddy. Form: Small, 3 to 6 feet tall, open shrub with a round crown and many unbranched stems.