A deciduous shrub, varying in height from 1 to 6 ft; the stems and twigs slender, sharply angled (like V. myrtillus) when young, glabrous. Leaves oval, obovate, or nearly round, thin, 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in. long, not toothed. Flowers solitary in the leaf-axils, nodding; corolla globular, pinkish white. Berries bright red, acid but very palatable, 1⁄4 in. across.
Native of western N. America from California to Alaska, in coastal forests. It is uncommon in gardens and its chief value as an ornament is in the beautiful red autumn colouring of its leaves.