Deciduous tree about 15 m tall with slender pendulous branches, young shoots pubescent. Leaves 4-10 x 2-5 cm, rhomboid-ovate, acuminate, base unequal, rounded, serrate from near the base glabrous or scabrid when mature. Flowers small, pale green. Perianth lobes 4-5, glabrous, lacerate at the apex. Stamens 5, filaments short, opposite the perianth lobes. Ovary glabrous, seated on a hairy disc, style 2-armed, arms unequal, pilose. Drupe c.7 mm, subglobose, reddish-brown, stone slightly reticulately rugose. Peduncles 1.5-2 cm long.

Fl. Per.: March-May.

Holotype: Caucasus, Adams, 18981 (3-WILLD), photo!.

Distribution: Caucasus, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Pakistan, Kashmir, Nepal.

A very variable species often confused with Celtis australis L., a typical mediterranean species, from which it differs in having more ovate leaves without a long acuminate tip, distinctly glaucous and much less hairy below.