A beautiful, tall tree with interest in every season for both humans and wildlife. Spring brings drooping cylinders of white flowers that develop into dark red berries. In late summer to early fall, berries turn black and are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. The fruit is edible once cooked but the rest of the tree has Amygdalin that can be toxic if consumed. This species grows well with full sun in a variety of soil types with medium to wet moisture.
Summer leaves are shiny and dark green, turning to yellow in fall. Mature bark looks like burnt potato chips. Tree can be pruned and kept as a shrub size by cutting to the ground every 2-3 years.
