Plant Description
Erect shrub or ascending, single-stalked or few-branched, forming colonies by runners. It lacks aerial roots so does not climb like the eastern species. All parts have an oil skin irritant that causes a severe reaction in many individuals.
Shrub or subshrub; stems erect, single-stalked or few-branched; alternate compound leaves near ends of stems, 3 stalked leaflets; flower 5 yellowish-white petals and 5 stamens with yellow tips; fruit round, white berry. Rhizomatous.
Habitat
Found in moist but often sunny sites in canyons, along streams and at seeps and springs from the low desert to mixed conifer forests.
Leaves
Dark green, compound, divided into 3 leaflets, usually shiny, oblong to lance-shaped to oval, notched or toothed, 4 inches long with red tinge when immature. Turns reddish-orange in fall.
Flowers
Flowers are 1/4 inch wide in loose clusters to 3 inches long in lower leaf axils, each cluster usually having fewer than 25 flowers. Greenish sepals.
Fruit
Cluster of 1/4 inch berry-like fruits.