Loose shrub with upright limbs fanning out at crown. Thrives in all soil types but gets leggy in the shade. Height is 6-15 feet, depending on site. Seasonal interest with white flowers in EARLY spring before leaves, blue berries in summer and yellow leaves in fall. Berries can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, and are used in jam, jelly, and wine. Best berries are found in moist locations. Native Americans used berries as an ingredient in pemmican, and straight slender branches for arrow shafts.