Medium-size tree with a regular, columnar to narrow ovoid crown and a straight central leader. The tree eventually grows to about 10 m tall. The young twigs are yellow-green and somewhat lighter than on M. kobus. The mature bark is typical of the species. The leaves are ovate to elliptical and 6 - 17 cm long. They are bronze-coloured on emerging, turning dark green in summer. The flowers appear even on young trees. The soft-haired flower buds open into pure white, star-shaped flower buds with 6 petals. These are creamy white. Suitable for avenues, streets and squares.