Native Habitat:

Open forests, chaparral, and dry slopes.

Bloom Time:

April – June

Growth Habit & Mature Size:

Deciduous shrub, 1–4 feet tall, with arching stems and lobed, aromatic leaves. Produces small, pink to red tubular flowers followed by edible red berries covered with a sticky or gummy coating.

Light & Soil Requirements:

Full sun to partial shade; thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Tolerates seasonal dryness once established.

Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:

Eriophyllum lanatum, Achillea millefolium, Festuca idahoensis, Arctostaphylos columbiana, Lupinus micranthus.

Urban Garden Function:

Adds seasonal color, edible berries, and low-growing structure to urban gardens, naturalized landscapes, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Works well in layered native shrub borders and low-water xeric gardens.

Wildlife Supported:

Flowers attract native bees and butterflies. Berries provide food for birds and small mammals. Arching branches and foliage offer shelter and nesting sites for insects and wildlife.

Historical Use:

Berries were traditionally eaten by Indigenous peoples. Plant valued ornamentally for its showy flowers, edible fruit, and adaptability in dry, sunny native landscapes.