Thick, coarse evergreen shrub or small gnarled tree 6 to 9 feet tall often forming dense thickets. Roughened by narrow, thin scales which peel off exposing brownish inner bark. Dry, globose, small capsule. Probably in every county but most abundant in the mountains. Leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans.
Deer browse the plants and ruffed grouse eat the leaves and twig tips.
Shade to full sun. Dry to moist. Growth is better in moist conditions. Leaves often get a leaf-spot disease which make the foliage less appealing.