Zone 3, these shrubs sucker profusely, grow to almost 15 feet and form dense copses. They have small leaves, flower profusely all along the stems, a small 5 petaled simple flower form that fades and stays attached until the seed forms, culminating in a podlike seed that reddens as it ripens. Any idea what it is? The flower is smaller than a dime, the seed pods elongate as they ripen.
Looks like Goji (wolfberry). I am not sure if there are related plants with a similar appearance that grow in your region, so please do not eat them until the ID is confirmed.
Looking at all the online pics now, pretty sure that is what it is--no eating though as i'm not sure of all the claims people make for it, and it sure looks related to deadly nightshade and the like! Unfortunately useless as a dyeplant--but so lovely to look at.
Yes, everything about it seems right for Goji; the only reason I was cautious is that I don't know if there are any lookalikes in Canada and with solanaceous plants you can't afford not to be cautious. Some of the more far out claims for health benefits should be taken with a pinch of salt, but it cannot be denied Goji berries contain high levels of vitamins, caretenoids, amino acids and minerals. I have only ever eaten the dried berries, they were very nice. If I found a dense copse of the bushes I would pick loads!
