Age: 1 yr
Height: 6-12"
Height at maturity: Typically reaches 3–6 feet (1–2 meters) as a small shrub, forming colonies or thickets through suckering roots.
Diameter: Stems of mature plants are slender, typically 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter. The canopy spread is typically 4–10 feet (1.2–3 meters) wide, depending on growing conditions and colony formation.
Crown shape: Develops an upright, spreading, and clumping habit with multiple stems, often forming loose thickets or colonies. Young plants are more compact, maturing to a broader, irregular, and rambling form.
Benefits: Produces showy clusters of white flowers (April–May) before leaves emerge, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Yields edible, juicy berries that ripen from red to purple-black in early summer, providing food for over 40 species of birds (e.g., robins, cedar waxwings) and mammals (e.g., squirrels, deer, foxes). Offers attractive green leaves in summer with bright red to purple fall foliage. Ideal for naturalized areas, native gardens, woodland edges, or erosion control on banks. Supports biodiversity as a host plant for numerous butterflies and moths. Low maintenance, adaptable, and provides four seasons of interest, though may be susceptible to pests like aphids or diseases like fire blight. Fruits are suitable for human consumption fresh or in jams/pies.
Best soil type: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.0–6.5), though adaptable to neutral pH. Thrives in loamy, sandy, peaty, or rocky soils with average fertility. Tolerates dry to moist conditions but requires good drainage to prevent root issues. Performs best in full sun to partial shade, with full sun enhancing flower and fruit production.