NATIVE - Deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree best in moist environments such as stream banks, swamps, and wetland edges. Male (brownish-yellow) and female (red) flowers appear on same tree. Dark green, serrated leaves turn yellow in fall, and small cone-like fruits persist through winter, adding visual interest. Supports various beneficial insects and wildlife, such as bees, and is a host plant for several butterfly and moth species. Birds eat the seeds, while the dense growth offers cover for small mammals and nesting sites for birds.