Small, upright tree to 25 feet and 6 inches in diameter, often forming shrubby thickets. Leaves alternate, simple, oblong to nearly oval, 2 to 4 inches long, finely serrated margin, dark green above and paler below, minute glands on petiole. Flowers white, in a loose terminal raceme (3 to 6 inches long), appearing after leaves. Fruit dark red to purple drupe, 1/3 inch in diameter, maturing in late summer.

Range Plants of Utah

To cure diarrhea (bark extract); to treat canker sores, cold sores (fruit); to treat colds and rheumatism (leaves, twigs)