A perennial prickly bush which can be grown erect, semi-erect or trailing (requires a trellis). Leaves are coarsely toothed and the flowers white, pink or red in color. Its tart tasting fruits are black or purple drupelets which grow on two year old stems. After fruiting, these stems dry out and need to be pruned, also the one year old stems need to be shortened each year. Needs irrigation in summer in case of a dry spell or drought.