Black Twinberry grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Will tolerate considerable shade. Best in moist, organically rich loams with good drainage. It is native from Alaska through the western U.S. to Mexico. It typically grows to 6-10' tall, but may in parts of its native range grow to as much as 16' tall. Elliptic, opposite, pointed, bright green leaves (to 5" long) have hairy margins and undersides. Tubular yellow flowers (each to 1" long) in pairs bloom in late spring to early summer (June-July), but often much earlier (March) in warm winter locations. Flowers are surrounded by two showy green bracts that turn a showy bright red. Flowers give way to small juicy black berries (each 1/4" diameter) in pairs. Berries are technically edible, but often bitter tasting. Hummingbirds and butterflies enjoy the flowers. Birds and small mammals love the fruit, sometimes spreading the seeds in an unwanted manner into adjacent areas.