Native Habitat:

Moist forests, forest edges, and riparian areas.

Bloom Time:

April – June

Growth Habit & Mature Size:

Deciduous shrub, 3–8 feet tall, with slender, arching stems and small, elliptical leaves. Produces bell-shaped, white to pink flowers, followed by bright red edible berries.

Light & Soil Requirements:

Partial to full shade; thrives in acidic, loamy, or silty soils. Prefers consistently moist conditions and tolerates seasonal wetness.

Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:

Tolmiea menziesii, Polystichum munitum, Athyrium filix-femina, Camassia leichtlinii, Tiarella trifoliata.

Urban Garden Function:

Provides vertical structure, seasonal flowers, and edible berries in urban gardens, naturalized landscapes, and woodland-inspired plantings. Works well as a layered shrub, understory specimen, or pollinator-supportive planting.

Wildlife Supported:

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

Historical Use:

Berries were traditionally harvested by Indigenous peoples for food and preservation. Valued ornamentally for fruit, ecological benefits, and inclusion in shaded native plant gardens.