Found in streamsides and open woods at 4,500 to 8,500 feet elevation. Tall or tallish shrubs made up of upright branching stems, which are brownish and woody. These stems are smooth and without thorns, unlike some related species. Clusters of long, tubular yellow flowers in spring. The flowers usually have 5 petals. Smooth, glossy green leaves with 3 lobes. In the fall, it has clusters of round berries. These are usually orange or yellowish (NOT red, or not all berries in the cluster are red), and slightly transparent, with visible veins running down the sides. The bottom of the fruit usually has a small papery tube attached to the bottom: the dried-up remains of the flower.