Native Habitat:
Open forests, forest edges, meadows, and shaded slopes.
 
Bloom Time:
May – June
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 6–24 inches tall, with arching stems and alternately arranged lance-shaped leaves. Produces small, star-shaped white flowers in terminal clusters, followed by red berries.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Partial shade to full sun; thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal dryness once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Polystichum munitum, Tolmiea menziesii, Camassia leichtlinii, Achlys triphylla, Adiantum pedatum.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds vertical texture, seasonal blooms, and layered foliage interest to urban gardens, woodland-inspired landscapes, and naturalized plantings. Works well as an understory plant beneath shrubs and trees, enhancing habitat value and aesthetics.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees and small pollinators. Berries provide food for birds and small mammals. Dense foliage and arching stems offer shelter for insects and ground-dwelling invertebrates.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for minor medicinal purposes; valued ornamentally in shaded and woodland-style garden plantings.