Part to full shade; Average to dry well drained soil; This little shrub has an extended awkward phase in that it can spend years as a slouchy, spindly groundcover before it matures into an upright little bush up to 6' tall. Deer browse often prevents this from happening and mature specimens are rather rare except in places out of reach of hungry mouths. The stems are bright green and lightly foliaged. Green-brown flowers appear in May-June which are followed by warty bright pink capsules in Autumn which split to reveal orange berries. Very showy when in fruit. Zone 6-9; WV ecotype