Average annual precipitation is 30 inches. Soils are deep, well-drained gravelly silt loams, with effective rooting depth of 20 to 40 inches. A native deciduous shrub growing to 15 feet high and 15 feet wide in 10 growing seasons at Pullman, Washington. Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound, with usually 5-9 serrate leaflets.
Fruit is bluish-black with a waxy bloom, appearing pale powdery blue.
Plants grew about 1.5 feet per year at Pullman. Minimum 18 inches effective precipitation. No particular problems were noted with disease or pests. Plants with adequate moisture usually produce abundant fruit. Plants will coppice freely.