Indian currant is a mound-shaped shrub that grows to a maximum height of 6 feet, but in shady areas may be closer to 3.5 feet. The long arching stems are covered with pairs of oval leaves. The plants usually grow wider than tall and in the wild is found growing in thickets. It requires full sun to partial shade and medium moisture conditions. In the summer it produces clusters of small pale pink blooms that give way to soft red-purple fruit that attracts birds. The plant is native to the Midwest and can used in a hedge or as erosion control on slopes. When not in bloom, it resembles Japanese honeysuckle, which is an invasive species. As a native plant this is recommended for naturalized settings. However, deer like to browse the branches, and several species of insects chew or suck the leaves, causing foliar damage.