Rhodotypos scandens is a small, multi-stemmed, up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall shrub that invades natural areas in the eastern United States.
Foliage
Leaves are opposite, simple, 2.5-4 in. (6.2-10 cm) long and doubly serrate. Leaves also have ribbed veins and a long, pointed tip.
Flowers
White, four-petaled, 2 in. (5.1 cm) wide flowers occur in the spring.
Fruit
The flowers give way to small, red (turning black), bead-like fruit.
Ecological Threat
Rhodotypos scandens invades forested areas creating a thick shrub layer which could displace native shrubs, shade out understory species and restrict tree seedling establishment. Rhodotypos scandens is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States in 1866 as an ornamental.