A native, deciduous shrub with bright green, velvet-like leaves and vibrant clusters of purple berries appearing in late summer and early fall. The bark is smooth and light brown on older wood and reddish on younger wood. Its flowers are small, pink, and in dense clusters at the bases of the leaves. Height: 3-5’. The compact berries are edible, but not pleasant-tasting. The berries have also been mashed and used to make dye.