[1] H. nitida is a medium-sized, evergreen tree growing to 27 m (90 ft) with a slender trunk and branching crown.

[2] The exception to this is the variety toxicodendroides, which is a shrubby form only growing to about 2 m (7 ft) tall.

The leaves have three, drooping, elliptical leaflets, that are folded upwards at the midrib; both upper and lower surfaces are glossy bright green.

The fruit capsules are green with reddish tips and usually contain three large, rounded seeds.

There are also populations south of the Amazon in northern Peru and near the lower reaches of the Madeira River.