Coralberry is unique in having red berries. The cousins are otherwise similar in the shape and arrangement of the leaves and in their growth habit. A close look at the berries shows how much they look like apples. If you smash one between your fingers, you may even notice a faint odor like that of apple peel. But that is as far as the resemblance goes.
Most people find that the flavor of coralberries is very unpleasant.
A variety of birds such as grouse, quail and various grosbeaks and thrushes make use of this food source. Black bears and wood rats are also known to eat them. However, coralberries don't seem to be a particular favorite of any of these animals. The leaves are commonly eaten by antelope, deer and other browsers during the growing season. The flowers of Coralberry may be seen in early July.