Natural Habitat: Dry open slopes, prairies, foothills, canyons, rocky draws and open woodlands
Foliage / Flowers: Deciduous, multi‑stemmed shrub, typically 3-6 ft tall, sometimes up to 8 ft. Leaves are trifoliate with a strong scent when crushed. Yellowish flower clusters appear in early spring. Bright red berry clusters form in summer and persist into winter. Fall color ranges from orange to deep red.
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate
20-year Height: 4-6 ft depending on site conditions
Elevation Range: 2,000-7,000 ft
Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 to 8
Fire Tolerance: High, resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire
Wind Tolerance: High
Soil Preference: Well-drained sandy, gravelly or loamy soils, tolerates poor and rocky sites
Alkali / Saline Soil Tolerance: Moderate
Life Span: Often 30-50 years
Minimum Annual Precip: Performs well with 12-16 in of annual moisture
Drought Tolerance: High once established
Windbreak Spacing: 4-8 ft
Potential Pests / Disease: Generally minimal, may experience occasional leaf spot or scale insects
Deer Resistance: Moderate, sometimes browsed but not preferred
Wildlife Value:
- Flowers used by bees, wasps and flies for early nectar
- Berries eaten by birds and small mammals
- Supports insects that feed nesting birds
- Dense branching provides excellent cover for wildlife
