This Japanese shrub is prized for its pretty flowers and fruits.  Unfortunately it’s invasive in forests of the eastern United States.

Jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens) is easy to find in Schenley Park where it was planted as an ornamental.

In the spring I misidentify its four-petaled white flowers as mock-orange because I don’t pay attention to the leaves.  Jetbead has opposite, deeply toothed leaves with narrow tips and pronounced veins.

The fruits are unmistakable, though.  When ripe, they form a cluster of four shiny black beads — jetbeads — shown above.

We’ll look for jetbead tomorrow on my Schenley Park outing.  Meet me at the Westinghouse Memorial Pond.

(photo of jetbead fruit by Kate St. John; photo of flower from Wikimedia Commons; click on the image to see the original)