Ascending, fast-growing tree with a closed spherical crown that becomes ovoid later. The eventual height is approx. 12 m and the tree becomes 4 to 5 m broad. The trunk and branches grow vertically: the smooth trunk is light grey. Young twigs are brown and bear many lenticels. It is distinguished from the species by the grey-green colour of the imparipinnate leaves that turn yellowish-red in the autumn. The small fragrant flowers appear in large umbels. The numerous orange-red fruits appear very early, in July and August. The birds are very keen on them. 'Sheerwater Seedling' grows best on sandy soil that is not too moist and in a sunny site.