Woody upright stems are canopied by flat dark green toothed alternate leaves 3–5" long and ¼" wide. Leaf infusions are used topically for easing itchy or irritated skin associated with bug bites, poison ivy and other inflammations.

Associated with woodlands but also found in disturbed sandy infertile soil, often on roadsides. Prefers acidic soil; add peat to the hole when transplanting. Amend soils as you would for growing blueberries. Can be slow to establish at first but once it gets going it is a very tough plant. Nitrogen-fixing. Native to eastern U.S. Z2. Maine Grown. (1–3' bare-root plants)