An abundant evergreen shrub that is creeping or erect where it can be up to 6′ (2 m). The flowers are urn shaped, are white to pinkish, about 1/2″, and hang in clusters of five to fifteen from the ends of each branch. The berries are reddish-blue to nearly black and were highly prized by aboriginal people as a sweetener, for trading and to thicken salmon eggs. Used today in preserves. Found in the forest understory often in thickets. Prefers drier conditions to 4,000′ elevation.