Alternate name: Smooth Arrowwood

Family: Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle view all from this family

Description Much-branched, thicket-forming shrub with many shoots growing from base. Bark smooth, gray, twigs hairless.
Leaves: 3" (7.5 cm), opposite, ovate, large-toothed; turn shiny red.
Flowers: tiny, white, each with 5 petals, in upright 3" (7.5 cm) clusters; bloom May–July.
Fruit: Berries tiny, dark blue, in 3 1/2" (9 cm) clusters of 30 or more.
Height: 3-15' (0.9-4.5 m).

Habitat Moist low areas, wet or dry thickets, woodland borders.

Range Maritime Canada and Maine to Wisconsin and south to Georgia and Alabama.

Discussion This variety differs from other arrowwoods in having smooth twigs, while others have downy twigs. Northern Arrowwood is sometimes considered a separate species. All arrowwoods are good plants for a backyard wildlife habitat: they are attractive in flower and in fruit, the fruits are readily eaten by birds, and the branching habit forms protective cover for birds and small mammals.