Sorbus aucuparia is a shrub or small tree with compound, alternate leaves and hairy winter buds. It is similar in appearance to Sorbus americana which has glabrous, sticky buds. The small white flowers are born in much-branched inflorescences and the fruits are red.

Sorbus aucuparia is widely planted as a horticultural species and sometimes escapes, mostly in southern and eastern Wisconsin. Seedlings are seen commonly, but few reach maturity.