Native Habitat:
Riparian areas, open woodlands, and forest edges.
 
Bloom Time:
March – May
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Deciduous shrub, 3–10 feet tall, with upright arching stems and lobed, bright green leaves. Produces fragrant yellow tubular flowers followed by edible berries that range in color from yellow to red to black.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or silty soils. Tolerates seasonal dryness but performs best with moderate moisture.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Holodiscus discolor, Symphoricarpos albus, Camassia leichtlinii, Achillea millefolium, Cornus sericea.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds early-season color, fragrance, and edible berries to urban gardens, hedgerows, and naturalized plantings. Works well as a multi-season habitat shrub, in riparian restorations, and in edible native garden designs.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract hummingbirds, native bees, and early-season pollinators. Berries feed birds and small mammals. Dense branching provides shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife.
 
Historical Use:
Berries were traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for food, while bark and leaves had medicinal applications. Valued ornamentally for its fragrant blooms, wildlife benefits, and adaptability in garden settings.