FORM: Evergreen shrub, 12-24 inches tall.
LEAVES/BUDS: Alternate, evergreen, pinnately compound, 5-19 leaflets, margins are "holly-like" with spine tipped teeth, turning red-purplish in winter.
FLOWER: Bright yellow, bunched into racemes.
FRUIT/CONES: Dark blue berries with a glaucous covering.
OTHER: Fruit is edible, makes good jams, jellies, wine; roots used to make yellow dye.
