This is an herbaceous annual, up to 2 or more feet in height, having simple, ovate leaves about 6 inches long, pointed at both ends.
Fruits are globular, smooth skinned, black, and borne in small clusters.
The plant is widely distributed in the wild, and leaves are sometimes gathered and used as pot herbs. Fruits are also used for preserves and pies. A garden form, with fruits about 0.5-inch in diameter, is occasionally cultivated in home gardens. The wonderberry is a close relative to the poisonous nightshades. Rare in home gardens.