The large heavily veined red or green leaves are hollow and pitcher-like from the base of the stalk. A single five-petalled greenish red flower with a large flattened pistil grows in summer on a long stalk. This plant may be easily confused, at first glance, with Canada Mayflower. Three broad lance-shaped leaves clasp and sheath the stem. A slender unbranched cluster of white flowers bloom in July.
Berries turn deep red in late summer.
Dogberries are like a magnet for birds. Orange-red berries persist after the leaves fall and are beautiful with a back drop of fresh snow. Alternate leaves are compound with 11 to 17 toothed leaflets. The white five-petalled flowers form dense terminal clusters in June. Clusters of berries ripen in Fall.