Habitat: forested wetlands, shrub swamps, bogs, upland woods; dry to wet woods, thickets, stream banks, rock outcroppings
Wildlife value: Flowers attract butterflies and bees. This plant provides nectar for pollinators and supports Brown Elfin larvae. Adult Brown Elfin butterflies feed on flower nectar. Its fruit attracts small mammals, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, black bears, squirrels, and songbirds, including American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern and Spotted Towhees, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, and Northern Cardinal. The twigs provide food source for deer and rabbits. Members of the genus Vaccinium support bees
Edibility: The berries are edible and have been used raw, sun-dried. smoke-dried, and baked. They have high iron content.