This perennial believed to be native to the southeastern U.S. is now well established in our area. The stems, up to 2 feet tall, have long yellowish prickles (F). The leaves, up to 4 inches long, have wavy margins and are often deeply lobed.  Prickles also occur along the main veins on the underside of the leaf. The distinctive star-shaped, white to light violet flowers  are found in showy clusters at the end of the upper stems (B,D).  They have 5 petals which are fused at the base turning blue or lavender with age (C), and 5 bright yellow anthers which resemble tiny bananas (A,C). The fruit is green berry about 1/2 inch in diameter that turns yellow as it matures (D).