A. melanocarpa can also be used as an edible fruit crop although the fruit is too astringent to eat raw. The fruit is used instead in baking and to make jams, jellies, syrup, tea, juice, and wine.

It is a large shrub or small tree that is native to wooded areas on slopes, valleys and grasslands in northeast China, Siberia and Korea. It is commonly called Amur lilac. It typically grows in a multi-stemmed form to 6-8’ (less frequently to 12').

Caragana arborescens, or Caragana or Siberian peashrub or Siberian peashrub, is a species of legume. It is a shrub growing to heights of 12 feet or more and is a perennial. Typically, it has a moderate to fast growth rate.

Cotoneaster is a low growing, colorful shrub with attractive small flowers, berries and fall foliage color. The long spreading branches look particularly attractive when grown to cascade down a wall or bank. It can also be used as a ground cover.

The Cornelian Cherry or Cherry Dogwood is an early blooming small dogwood bearing tiny yellow flowers. A year-round ornamental with nice fall colors and edible 3/4-inch bright scarlet berries.

Blueberries are expensive at the market, but you can grow your own for relatively very low cost. Fill your yard with rows of the fruit-bearing berry bushes. Highbush Blueberry, which is native to North America.