It's one of the toughest spreading shrubs available, thriving in gravelly stream beds, rocky slopes along streams, and wooded hillsides. And since it doesn't have any serious pest or disease issues, it's virtually carefree. First, the leaves appear light green with reddish-bronze tints in spring, maturing to medium to dark green in summer. Finally, golden-yellow fall color takes hold with small fruit that releases its seeds the same season.