Naturally growing in central China where it grows from a shrub into an impressive tree up to 25 m high. Due to its sensitivity to frost, it is rarely cultivated in Europe and grows to a maximum height there of 15 m. T. henryana has particularly decorative leaves that are pink to a dark bronze colour when they emerge. They are covered thickly with silver-coloured, star-patterned hair and turn shiny dark green later in the season. Underneath, they are covered with downy brown hair. The leaf tapers shortly at the top and the edge is serrated with needle-shaped teeth that are developed by the lateral veins extending into the teeth. The lovely-smelling yellowish white flowers grow in pendulous umbels of 20 to 50 together. The bract has a long stem and is approx.13 cm long. T. henryana requires a warm, sheltered site.