Deciduous shrub or small tree, 15-25 ft (4.5-7.5 m) tall, reproduces from root shoots and can form thickets. Leaves alternate, pinnately compound (odd), 5-11 leaflets on a prickly central stalk 10-20 cm long, ovate to elliptic, two opposite spines on the stem at or below the point of petiole attachment. Flowers small, greenish, in small axillary clusters, appear before the leaves; dioecious - male and female flowers on separate trees. Fruit small, 4-5 mm across, bright red, containing 1-2 shiny black seeds.
Herb Effects
Irritant, odontalgic and antirheumatic (bark and roots); diaphoretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic and antirheumatic (fruits).
Used in the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic conditions, digestive problems and leg ulcers (bark and roots); to ease the pain of toothache (pulverized root and bark); chewed to induce salivation (bark); in the treatment of rheumatism, dyspepsia, dysentery, heart and kidney troubles (tea or tincture of the bark); to treat itchy skin (a tea made from the inner bark); in the treatment of fevers, ague, poor circulation etc and as an useful tonic in debilitated conditions of the stomach and digestive organs (fruits).
Health Remedies 
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