It frequently grows in moist microsites where fire severity and frequency may be lower. Fire generally kills aboveground portions but the rootstock appears to survive many fires. Berries eaten by deer mice, white-footed mice, red squirrels, eastern chipmunks, and redbacked voles. Some of the small mammals remove and eat the seeds leaving the the pulp. Fruit is consumed by several species including Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, American Robin, Gray Cheeked Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, and Grouse.
Several species eat the fruit but void the seeds.
They also chewed leaves and put them on boils and wounds to stimulate blood flow. Woodland garden ornamental. Blooms late May to mid-June in the North Country. Seed requires dormant period, usually taking 2 years to germinate in the wild. Seedling growth good in both sun and shade.