A evergreen, small (1-2.5 m) shrub from the staff vine family. Branches are green (young) or gray, round, and slender. Branches are flat, covered with numerous brown or dark brown buds - growths (warts), which give the species its name. Flowers are inconspicuous. Blooms in May and June.

More commonly found in the eastern part of Latvia. Grows individually or in small groups of shrubs in tall forests and shrubs, mainly along river valleys.

Watered spindleberry, like almost all other species of the genus, is a toxic plant. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

The usual type of poisoning is with fruits, which can attract human interest with their bright coloring (the fruits are sweet-tasting but with an unpleasant aftertaste). Possible poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, and seizures. Gastric lavage with activated charcoal suspension can be used as first aid. If a person is poisoned, they should remain in a state of rest. Poisoning can cause heart rhythm disturbances, so the patient's heartbeat should be monitored.

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia