Form: This species grows as a small shrub or an individual stem. It has thorns on stems, petioles, petiolules, and principal veins.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: palmately compound; 3-5 leaflets

Shape: ovate

Margin: doubly serrate

Texture: pubescent to scabrous

Venation:

Bark: N/A

Twigs and buds: N/A

Flowers and fruit: Flowers are pink to white in color. The fruit is a group of black drupes.

Distinguishing characteristics: It is an herbaceous shrub with thorns.

Range: It is found from Maine south to Georgia and west to Kentucky.

Silvics: It is most often found in old fields and along fence rows due to it's intolerant characteristics for shade.

Ecological and cultural importance: It is an important food source for black bears and other species of mammals and birds.