[1] The foliage is opposite, simple with dentate margins, wrinkly (with depressed veins), ovate, and with long petioles.

The flowers are small, borne in axillary cymes, unisexual with both genders occurring on the same plant, greenish yellow, and pollinated by wind.

They are:[3] Among the typical widespread variety pumila, minor differences do exist between the Asian and North American populations.

[2][5] It was reportedly used medicinally by certain Native Americans for sinus issues, itch relief and to reduce hunger,[1] and it is sometimes used as a diuretic in Asia.

[3] The plant is host to various caterpillars, including the leaf-mining larvae of Cosmopterix pulchrimella, as well as the aphid Pseudasiphonaphis corni and leafhopper Empoasca recurvata.