A native shrub species three to six feet tall with erect branches lacking spines, on multiple stems. The simple, three to five lobed alternate leaves are one to three inches wide and gland-dotted beneath. The glands are golden-yellow in color. Small flowers open in May are have five yellow petals. Drooping racemes produce glossy, red-purple to nearly black fruit.
Ripe fruits are sweet and desirable for human consumption.