Moist forests, streambanks, and woodland edges from British Columbia through northern California, often thriving in the understory of conifer forests.
 
Bloom Time:
April – May
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 10–20 feet tall and wide, with graceful, arching branches.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils but adapts to drier conditions once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Polystichum munitum, Vaccinium ovatum, Mahonia aquifolium, Oxalis oregana, and Tellima grandiflora.
 
Urban Garden Function:
A versatile native small tree ideal for creating canopy layers in compact gardens. In sun, its fall color glows in shades of red and orange; in shade, it forms a sculptural, understory element beneath larger trees. Perfect for framing garden paths, softening built edges, or serving as a focal point in courtyards. Its branching form provides nesting habitat, shade, and visual structure in small urban greenspaces, rain gardens, or park strips.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native mason bees (Osmia spp.), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and early butterflies. Seeds and leaves provide food and cover for songbirds, including chickadees and bushtits, while the dense branching offers shelter for nesting and overwintering species.
 
Historical Use:
Branches traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for crafting tools, baskets, and fish traps; wood valued for its strength and flexibility.