Shrub to 1.8 metres. The leaves are simple, lanceolate and usually short stalked, and are arranged in a spiralling, alternate fashion. Flowers in dense panicles, usually pinkish.

There are many similar species and hybrids, mostly with leaves hairy or tomentose on the underside, and the true species is now very rare and over-recorded, according to Stace. 

Glabrous leaves, including underside

Specimens should be keyed out (ref Stace, 4th edn.) or determined  by the County Recorder of other expert.

Planted as an ornamental shrub and occasionally becoming naturalised in woodland and on roadsides, river banks and waste places.

In flower between Jun and September.

Deciduous Shrub.

Rarely recorded in recent times