Northern shrub (Maritimes to Wisconsin, south into the Appalachians), generally found in cool, moist habitats. Leaves are alternate, simple, deciduous, elliptical, and entire. Apex is with a small mucronate tip. Petioles are purple. Twigs have a single bundle scar and young twigs are purplish. Fruit is a red drupe on a longer stalk then I. verticillata.