[4][5] The species is widespread, known from British Columbia to Ontario and south to Arizona and New Mexico.

The stems are only sparingly branched and have a softly fuzzy texture when young and become smooth or nearly so with age.

The berry is larger than a Saskatoon, pincherry or chokecherry, about the size of a grocery store cherry or small grape.

The rough-fruited fairybell can be found in the same locale as other native fruits such as Saskatoons and chokecherries.

[6][7][8] Berries begin yellow, then orange and when fully ripe are red, often with all three colors on the same raceme.