Foliage is dark green in summer turning yellow in fall. Pith of stem resembles peanut butter. Coarse texture with smooth trunk. Leaf scars are obvious over many years. Plant is dioecious exhibiting flowers in late spring which are yellow green and showy.
Male flowers stink.
Fruit is red in the winter and is considered to be showy. Best use as a naturalizing type plant. Is one of the most adaptable plants I know of. Will take almost any kind of growing environment. Not particular to soils or water.