A deciduous shrub growing erect or spreading or trailing. Depending on environmental conditions it may reach 30 centimetres (12 in) to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) in mature height. The fruit is a white drupe containing two nutlets, each of which contains a seed. The plant grows from a rhizome. It reproduces vegetatively by sprouting from the rhizome and by layering, and sexually via seed.

Cultural Significance: Some southern groups made brooms out of the branches and the Gitksan hollowed out the twigs to make pipe-stems. One or two of the berries were eaten by the Stl’atl’imx to settle the stomach after too much fatty food. An infusion of the fruit was used as eyewash for sore eyes and the berries were rubbed on the skin as treatment for burns, rashes, and sores. A decoction of the roots and stems was used in the treatment of the inability to urinate, venereal diseases, tuberculosis and the fevers associated with teething sickness. A tea made from the roots of this species was used to clear up afterbirth.

Santa Catalina Mountains
Location: Sunset Trail
9/3/15

Notes: Blooms; same plant on Sunset Trail 5/21/16.

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