Common names include mano de oso (bear paw), higuerón, and amarillo (yellow).

Dendropanax colombianus grows up to 20 m (~60 ft.) in height, with alternating palmatilobulated (hand-shaped) leaves.

It is often confused with Oreopanax floribundum due to morphologic similarities.

The range of this plant is restricted, growing in the Andes at altitudes of 3000-3300m.

Dendropanax colombianus is an important habitat for many bird species, and promotes the settlement of other important plants such as Cedro tree (Cedrela montana) and Chuwacá tree (Prunus buxifolia), which the subsequent reforestation in the sub-páramo.