Growing to 6 m (20 ft) tall, it has downy shoots and leaves comprising several leaflets.

[3] The plant is common in East and South Asia,[4] and is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate climates.

Infestation of the tree by Chinese sumac aphids (Melaphis chinensis Bell) may lead to production of a gall that is valued as a commercial product in China.

[7] Some research has suggested that chemical compounds found in Rhus chinensis possess in vitro antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities.

[4] The aqueous extracts of the gall also inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity in vitro.