Description

Described once as looking like alder crossed with a birch with a cherry thrown in, mottled gray bark is topped with deeply-ridged, oval leaves usually dark green on their topside with lighter green underneath. Depending on the amount of sun it's grown in, the fall color can range from yellow to orange-red in the fall. The flowers are small, creamy greenish-white, generally hiding amongst the foliage in small clusters. Butterflies will seek out flowers. The fruit that follows are small, purple-black beads that attract many species of birds. This deciduous shrub can also be grown as a small tree with single-stemmed plants becoming a 30-50' tree if allowed. An attractive Oregon native.