This lovely, hardy, and reasonably sized shrub is an excellent foundation plant for native plantings! White spring flowers, showy fall color, and conspicuous purple/black late summer berries have made it a favorite of beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. 

Berries are edible and high in antioxidants, enough so that they are semi-frequently grown as a crop. (Though the author recommends mixing only a couple berries in a smoothie or a batch of jam if desired as most do not prefer the flavor, hence the plant’s common name.)

Pollination: Self pollinating.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic, Dry

Soil Type: Adaptable

Height: 3’-8’

Width: 3’-8’

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: May

Fruit: Blue/black berries mature in fall.

Fall Color: Orange, Red, Purple

Root Type: Taproot

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly small bees. Hosts the coral hairstreak butterfly, and the praeclara underwing and blueish spring moths. Berries are eaten by a variety of animals such as grouse, waxwings, fox, and squirrels. Commonly browsed by mammals.