Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil. Does well in sun or shade. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c. Plants sucker freely and quickly form thickets. This species does not fruit freely in Britain, except after a hot summer. A good bee plant. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Scarcely eaten. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Open woods, thickets and dry banks.