A small, short-lived pioneer tree which is transcontinental across Canada, New Engand and the Lake States south into the Rockies and Appalachians. It often reproduces from seed long-buried in duff that germinates following a forest disturbance. Leaves are deciduous, lanceolate, finely serrate, and yellow-green with a glandular petiole. Twigs are reddish with a slight bitter taste. Buds are reddish-brown and small, tending to be clustered at the tip. Fruit is a light red, very sour drupe borne in an umbel. Bark is thin and burgundy with prominent orange, lens-shaped lenticels.