Form: It is a shrub growing 2-7 ft. in height.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; 3 leaflets; compound

Shape: terminal leaflet is slightly stalked

Margin: serrated

Texture: pubescent when young

Venation: N/A

Bark: Bark is brown and slender.

Twigs and buds: Twigs are aromatic when bruised.

Flowers and fruit: It produces red fruits with densely course hairs.

Distinguishing characteristics: It is most easily identified as a shrub with 3 leaflets that is aromatic when crushed.

Range: This species is often found in Nebraska east to the Atlantic coast, north to Maine, and south to Florida.

Silvics: It grows naturally on dry rocky sites.

Ecological and cultural importance: Fruits are consumed by various small mammals and birds.