Description

General - a perennial, from rhizome; stem "zigzag" shape, branched or sometimes unbranched; growing up to 30 cm tall.

Leaves - altemate, without leaf-stalks, wide lanced or oval-shaped with pointed tips; rounded at the base; margins often finely toothed; fine hairs on underside veins.

Flowers - solitary individuals, on stalks 1-3 cm long opposite each leaf; flower stalk bent midway; flowers bell-shaped, with 6 rose or white with purple streaked, recurved petals; appearing early-summer.

Fruit - an elongated red berry; ripening mid-summer.

Habitat

Frequent in the southern boreal; primarily in mixed-wood forests, and throughout a wide range of soil/site conditions; prefers cool, acidic soils.

Notes

If berries are consumed in quantity, diarrhea symptoms can result.

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