This upright, thicket-forming shrub holds interest in all seasons, with charming white flowers in spring, abundant clusters of reddish-purple berries that last into winter, and wine red foliage in the fall. Great for mass plantings around low wet areas where suckers will spread and grow, creating the botanical equivalent of a gossiping flock of birds gathered around the bird bath, or a couple of coworkers congregating at the water fountain. They’ll draw wildlife to their circle as well, once the berries have softened enough to appeal to local birds and mammals - unless, of course, you choose to collect the berries yourself to make a tart jam!
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soils; tolerate boggy soils
Size: 8’-12’ tall, 6’-9’ wide
Zone: 4 - 7
Wildlife Value: Berries are food source for various birds; flowers support small butterflies
Photos: Maja Dumat, Michael Jeltsch