 Calycanthus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub that grows to be about 1 to 3 m (3 to 6 ft) high and 1 to 4 m (3 to 12 ft) wide.Its bright green leaves are opposite, and grow to about 15 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide.They are ovate with acute tips, and entire (smooth) margins.