It is a tough pioneer, becoming established right at the first berm back from the water. In late summer, the cherries turn purple, and although sour they make good wine or jam when sweetened enough. The flower bud has small spots on it. It can be confused with queen anne's lace. All are common to dry habitats along the shrub zone.
Flowers are numerous and pale purple.
A very common plant in poor ground. Here we see it with mature berries, that came from small white, star-shaped flowers. Its leaves are needles and scales, whereas common juniper only has needles and is an upright plant of 3 to 5 feet. Common in the north but uncommon in the southern Great Lakes. It can form large patches and typically can survive in patches of dry rocks and waste areas back from the shore.