A deciduous, dwarf, stunted bush about 2 ft high, with crooked branches. Leaves small, 1⁄4 to 3⁄4 in. long, obovate, sometimes bristle-toothed, sometimes entire; spines three-parted, sometimes over 1 in. long. Flowers yellow, in short racemes 3⁄4 to 11⁄4 in. long, carrying six to fifteen flowers. Fruit red.
Native of Sicily and Calabria, a scrubby bush inhabiting the mountains. It flowers in May and June, and is very pretty with its numerous closely set racemes. Suitable for the rock garden.