Platycarya consists of substantial, deciduous shrubs or small trees characterized by leaves resembling those of ash. They produce upright catkins and have persistent, cone-like fruits.

Platycarya

Platycarya strobilacea is a rounded, deciduous tree characterized by its ash-like foliage, which can reach lengths of up to 30 cm and transforms to yellow in the fall. During the summer months, it produces upright clusters of yellow-green catkins that can grow up to 10 cm in height. The tree features multiple male flowers surrounding a central female, which subsequently develops into a cone-shaped fruit. Initially brownish-green, the fruit matures to a darker brown and remains on the tree throughout the winter season.