A shrub or small tree that can grow to 22 feet in height and have a trunk up to 10 inches wide. The bark is gray to brown, rough textured when mature. Leaves are broadly oval, rounded or pointed at the tip, with 3-4 pairs of upcurved veins, and have jagged, toothed margins. Dense clusters of 2 to 6, yellow-green, 4-petaled flowers emerge from stems near the bases of leaf stalks. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Small black fruits about 1/4 inch in cross-section and containing 3-4 seeds, form in the fall.
Herb Effects
Cathartic, depurative, diuretic, laxative and violently purgative (berries)
Health Remedies 
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