Tolerates acid and damp soil. Spreads through roots. Provides ideal protection for saplings. Dislikes acid soils and wet sites. Excellent wildlife value.
Flowers attract bees and many insects on leaves.
Berries taken by mammals and birds. Hard, but small sized timber, decorative use only. A familiar sight in both hedgerows and gardens. Has white flowers in late spring followed by red berries in autumn. It will reach a height of 4 metres in 10 years, finally growing to 10 metres.