Life cycle
Perennial grows from 1 to 3 ft. tall with deep rhizomes
Growth habit
Leaves large, wavy, alternate; spines on the upper and lower midrib of leaves and on stems
Reproduction
Seeds and creeping rhizomes; flowers 5-petaled, potato/tomato-like, white to pale lavender; fruits yellow, rounded berries, persisting through winter
Conditions that favor growth
A weed of primarily orchards and pastures, also in vegetable gardens; thrives on sandy or gravelly soils
Cultural control
Manual cultivation taking care to remove all parts of root and stem; prickles can hurt, wear gloves for protection
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