A low deciduous shrub of spreading but compact habit, rarely more than 3 ft high; young shoots minutely downy. Leaves oval, tapered about equally at both ends, rather prominently and unevenly round-toothed, 11⁄2 to 4 in. long, 5⁄8 to 2 in. wide, glabrous above, slightly downy on the veins beneath; veins in about six to eight pairs; stalk 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in. long, downy on the upper side. Flowers yellow-green, produced usually in twos or threes; petals absent; calyx-lobes and stamens five. Fruits black, 1⁄4 in. across, roundish or top-shaped, containing three seeds.
Native of N. America, on both the eastern and western sides; introduced in 1778, A neat bush.