Native Habitat:
Dry, rocky slopes, open forests, and coastal bluffs from British Columbia through California, including parts of the Willamette Valley foothills.
 
Bloom Time:
March – May
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Evergreen to semi-evergreen small tree or large shrub, typically 20–40 feet tall with a rounded or spreading crown. Distinctive reddish-brown peeling bark and glossy evergreen leaves. Produces clusters of white urn-shaped flowers and bright red berries.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; well-drained soils, tolerates rocky and nutrient-poor conditions. Sensitive to wet, poorly drained soils.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Mahonia aquifolium, Ribes sanguineum, Camassia leichtlinii, Festuca roemeri, Achillea millefolium.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides multi-season interest with striking bark, evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and red berries in summer and fall. Ideal for urban habitat gardens, parks, and larger residential landscapes. Its branching form offers shade and vertical structure, while its colorful bark adds sculptural appeal. Works well as a specimen tree, naturalized canopy, or focal point in mixed native plantings.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees and syrphid flies; berries feed songbirds, including cedar waxwings and thrushes. Dense branching offers nesting and cover for small birds, and the foliage shelters insects.
 
Historical Use:
Berries and leaves used by Indigenous peoples for food and medicinal purposes; wood utilized for tools, firewood, and ceremonial items.