The leaves of hobble-Bush are 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, slightly heart-shaped, opposite, simple, and broad-ovate. They are arranged in widely spaced pairs and have an irregularly serrate margin. The tip is short acuminate, and the base is cordate. Initially, both sides exhibit stellate pubescence, eventually becoming glabrous, though some hairs may remain on the veins below. In autumn, the leaves display a striking color change to bronze-red or purple.

Hobble-Bush features showy flat cymes, 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) across, of white flowers in early summer. The flowers create a lacy effect, with large, sterile blooms on the outer edge and smaller, fertile flowers in the center. The outer blossoms are significantly larger, enhancing the cluster's ornamental appearance. This arrangement results in a striking contrast between the sizeable sterile florets framing the cluster and the small, fertile inner flowers.

Hobble-Bush stems exhibit a brownish-green hue adorned with light lenticels, adding a textured appearance. These stems can grow substantial in thickness, supporting pendulous branching patterns that tend to arch and root upon touching the ground. Notably, the opposite buds are naked, distinguished by a tan, scruffy pubescence extending down the twig. This unique hairy texture and the tendency for branches to root easily aid in identifying the plant, offering both aesthetic and structural characteristics.

The fruit of hobble-Bush is a small drupe, approximately 1/3 inch (about 8 mm) in length. Initially, these drupes exhibit a bright red coloration which gracefully matures into a deep purple as the late summer season progresses. The fleshy fruit encases a hard seed inside and often appears in clusters. The surface of the drupes is typically smooth with a glossy finish, presenting a visual cue for ripeness when they achieve their purple hue. These colorful drupes not only serve as a distinctive characteristic for identification but also attract a variety of wildlife.