Species of tree is native to sandy soils of eastern North America, from Maine to Ontario and Iowa and south to Florida and Texas. It is usually a small tree or shrub, but may attain a height of 65 feet 20 m). It has furrowed bark, bright green twigs, and small clusters of yellow flowers followed by dark blue berries. It is used for lumber and essential oils extracted from root bark, an ingredient in perfumes, root beer, and teas. Leaves and twigs are consumed by white-tailed deer, groundhogs, marsh rabbits, and American black bears; fruits are eaten by many species of birds.
