Holly-like oblong leaflets compose the individual foot long (sometimes more) leaves; the leaflets are sharply toothed, glossy to dull green, and two-to-three inches in length. The veins in the leaf are prominent, hence the scientific name "nervosa". The leaves rise directly from the main stem.

The advantage of being evergreen is further enhanced by the clusters of yellow flowers borne in early spring. The fruit is a small, dark blue "grape," edible but sour.

These are grown from cuttings.