A spindly shrub with cane-like branches or occasionally a small tree. The leaflets of P. montana are always coarsely toothed, or more deeply dissected, and are very acute to acuminate.
Shrub or small tree, 1-2(-4) m high, similar to P. grossulariifolia. Leaflets 3-lobed and sometimes serrate, apices acute. Flowering time Feb.-Apr.