A tough shrub that is sun and shade tolerant, grows in wet or dry soils, and grows in a variety of soil types. It has white flowers in May that turn to white fruit on red panicles, that birds relish in the fall. Will spread to form thickets if root suckers are not removed. Fall color is a dusky purplish red. Host for many larval butterfly species. Deer resistant.

Easily grown in dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Part of the black oak savanna complex. Fall color is an excellent reddish-orange with bright red fruit that is attractive to wildlife. A great companion plant for upright or vertical plants because of its layering habit; for this reason it also provides great habitat. Deer resistant.