A large, spreading, deciduous shrub, the branchlets often developing conspicuous corky wings. Leaves oval, turning rosy-crimson in autumn. Flowers small, greenish, followed by purplish-red fruits splitting to reveal orange seeds.
These are a good source of food for birds over winter. The shrub is also known as the winged spindle as its branches sometimes develop corky 'wings', visible after the leaves have fallen.
