The main distinguishing feature is the bunches of berries that form on mature plants. Berries are usually either green or black. Black nightshade also has flowers which are usually white with yellow ...

Firethorn (Pyracantha) also does well in this area. Although I have never seen any, these plants can produce yellow and white berries in addition to the more common ones in various shades of orange.

December’s Weed of the Month is Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). This species is a specially regulated plant on Minnesota’s Noxious Weed list.