One of the first native shrubs to bloom in our woods with pendant racemes of either male or female flowers on this dioecious plant. The first leaves are a spritely upright pair, like vertical wings, with white flower ‘earrings’ dangling just belowan elegant and pretty herald of spring. Female plants produce pea-sized peach-colored fruits, beloved by birds, with a male planted nearby. Bring them out of the woods, so to speak, to join your garden. Works well in a hedgerow.

Mature size: 8-20 ft tall x 8-15 ft wide; easily managed with pruning

Minimum temperature: -10F