Broad rounded arching spreading wildlife and medicinal shrub. Inconspicuous pinkish flowers in late spring, followed by plump whitish edible but insipid berries. More palatable cooked, but still better for the birds who will gobble them up. Leaves, roots and bark all medicinal. Traditionally used for arrow shafts, brooms and pipe stems. Ripple-edged foliage of muted multi-shaded blues and greens. Quite beautiful all season. Excellent for holding soil on a steep shady moist bank while providing good wildlife cover and forage. Will spread with age and eventually form colonies.

Easy to transplant, adaptable to most soils, sun or shade, even clay and city conditions. Drought tolerant. Self-fertile. Native eastern U.S. Z3. (1-3')