Native Habitat:

Riparian areas, open forests, and moist slopes.

Bloom Time:

May – July

Growth Habit & Mature Size:

Deciduous shrub or small tree, 6–15 feet tall, with arching, multi-stemmed growth and pinnately compound leaves. Produces large, flat-topped clusters of small, creamy-white flowers followed by dark blue to purple berries.

Light & Soil Requirements:

Full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, well-drained loam, sandy, or silty soils. Prefers sites with seasonal moisture but tolerates moderate dryness once established.

Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:

Cornus sericea, Tolmiea menziesii, Polystichum munitum, Camassia leichtlinii, Achlys triphylla.

Urban Garden Function:

Provides summer flowers, edible berries, and dense structural foliage in urban gardens, riparian plantings, and naturalized landscapes. Works well as a specimen shrub, layered native planting, or for habitat restoration and wildlife support.

Wildlife Supported:

Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Berries provide food for birds, small mammals, and pollinators. Dense branching offers shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife.

Historical Use:

Berries and flowers were used by Indigenous peoples for food, beverages, and medicinal purposes. Valued ornamentally for blooms, edible fruit, and its ecological role in riparian and native gardens.