Prunus subhirtella is a deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) tall with a spread of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters). The tree has a vase-shaped habit with a rounded crown and a trunk that is often divided into several smaller trunks near the base. The bark is dark brown and has prominent horizontal lenticels. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic in shape, with serrated margins and pointed tips. The flowers are pink, semi-double, and appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a small, red to black drupe that ripens in late summer to early fall.