A tall shrub or large tree. Leaves, smooth, shining, serrate, the teeth curving inward, bearing in summer long racemes of small, black berries, bitter but pleasant in flavor. The racemes of rather fragrant flowers appear in May. Fruit ripe in August.

Nearly everywhere, along fence-rows, roadsides, in open fields, and on hillsides, from Massachusetts to Florida. Used as a remedy for pulmonary complaints.