From a relatively tall shrub, 6′ – 9′ (2 – 3 m) racemes of incredibly deep red flowers bunch along the unarmed stems (meaning without stickers or spines). Each flower is about 0.75″ consisting of a narrow tube with flaring sepals. The leaves are up to 2.5″ broad with 3 – 5 lobes. A popular export to England; noted naturalist David Douglas sold enough seeds in 1827 to pay for an entire two year expedition. Usually found in disturbed areas, i. e. road cuts, to about 4,000′ elevation.