General: Shrub or small tree 1.5-5 m tall, one of the first plants to flower in the spring; bark bitter purplish-brown.
Leaves: Alternate, deciduous, pale-green, broadly lance-shaped, 5-12 cm long, not toothed; strong cucumber-like smell when crushed.
Flowers: Greenish-white, about 1 cm across, male and female flowers on separate plants, 5 petals, 15 stamens in 3 distinct series somewhat bell-shaped, appearing very early in the year (usually before the leaves), unusual fragrance (something between watermelon rind and cat urine); in 5-10 cm long clusters hanging from leaf axils.
Fruits: Peach-coloured, ripening to bluish-black with a whitish bloom, like small plums (hence the common name), about 1 cm long; edible but bitter, with large pit.
Ecology: Dry to moist, open woods, stream banks, open areas (especially roadsides); low elevations.