Native Habitat:
Moist forests, forest edges, and open woodlands 
 
Bloom Time:
March – May
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Evergreen shrub, 3–6 feet tall, with holly-like, glossy leaves. Produces clusters of yellow flowers in spring, followed by dark blue to purple berries.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Partial shade to full sun; thrives in moist, well-drained soils with good organic content. Tolerates seasonal dry spells once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Tolmiea menziesii, Polystichum munitum, Camassia leichtlinii, Achlys triphylla, Adiantum pedatum.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides year-round foliage, early-season flowers, and edible berries in urban gardens, woodland-inspired landscapes, and naturalized plantings. Works well as a specimen shrub, layered in native shrub borders, or as a foundation planting. Not a grape, and not holly. This plant deserves a better name. Beautiful spring flowers. Shiny leaves are dazzeling in low winter light.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. Berries provide food for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for insects and birds.
 
Historical Use:
Berries and roots were used by Indigenous peoples for food, dye, and medicinal purposes; valued ornamentally for its evergreen foliage, flowers, and fruit.  Edible berries, sour/spicy with grape-like overtones.