Coniferous Waterleaf

This average-sized shrub grows up to 3 feet (91.4 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 195 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has several stocky, straight stems covered in hard, silky, dark brown bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches are very long and slender with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with small amounts of giant, stiff, pointed, leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are found in hazel and pale purple varieties, robust and rough.

In late spring it produces dozens of small, red blossoms with many layers of petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are sturdy and have a powerful scent that smells like lavender.

In late autumn small slender, 8 pointed fruits ripen. The clammy indigo skin is peel-able and sweet, and the soft dark brown flesh is bitter and dry. The beige seeds are large and are bunched at the bottom of the fruit.