Fair tolerance to fire in the dormant state and sprouts from rootstocks following fire. Probably killed by severe fires. Fruits are eaten by sharp-tailed grouse, cedar waxwings, other passerine species, and small mammals. Fruit used to make pies, jams, and jellies. The small, hard seed shows poor and erratic germination.
Seed is disseminated primarily by animals.
Sprouts originate from a complex network of underground stems and rootstocks. It also sprouts from the root crown. Shrubs are interconnected for distances of up to 20'. By seed, following cold stratification. Difficult to transplant from its native habitat.