Rich clusters of crimson and yellow flowers from spring to summer.  Flowers appear on last years wood. The bark has thorns and so do the large seed pods so care should be taken when choosing a location or when pruning.  The word 'acanthocarpa' is derived from the Greek "akanthos" meaning thorn.  Care should also be taken when planting near infrastructure such as paving as the roots are invasive. Plant does not like being over watered.  Flowers are bird attracting.