Fruits are preferred by deer, rabbits, black bear and raccoon. The fruits remain on the shrubs all winter and become very important when food becomes critically scarce in February and March. Leaves and twigs are readily eaten by deer and rabbit. Moist, well-drained to dry soils. Medium acid to neutral.
Fire blight can kill twigs and limbs.
Leaf blotch miner causes severe damage while woolly aphid and lacebugs can also damage the appearance and health of leaves.