Ascending understory shrub, 1-3 m., loosely spreading branches, some prostrate; forms dense thickets.

TWIG: Deep, blood-red color, smooth, esp. recent growth; pith white and large (1/3rd twig diameter).

BUDS: Slender, sharp-pointed, red, glabrate, paired outer bud scales; terminal bud <5 mm. long; lateral buds paired on opposite sides of twig.

LEAVES: 5-10 cm. long, broad, entire, white beneath with fine hairs, lateral veins run parallel to leaf margin.

LEAF SCARS: Opposite, slender, deeply-notched V-shape, vascular scars in clusters of 3.

FRUITS: 2-seeded drupe, white and spherical

HABITAT: Common along watercourses, shores, and other moist sites.

RANGE: Northern species, Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois.

USES: Berries are food to a number of animals and birds, including songbirds and grouse; Twigs are eaten by deer, elk, moose, cottontail, and snowshoe hare. Thicket structure provides shelter and habitat to small mammals. Wetland indicator.