The flowers are white and produce small round pomes and can be orange to red in color.

These fruits are astringent and bitter, making them inedible for humans, but they are a food source for birds.

The leaves, fruit and seeds contain hydrogen cyanide, the source of the bitter taste.

This shrub is cultivated and grown in yards and gardens as an ornamental plant.

This species is native to China but has been introduced to North America and Australia.