leafy perennial with small thorns

[siseece]

Hello Gardening Forum,
We recently moved and cannot identify this plant in our front garden. I've uploaded a few photos. Our neighbours say that it may be a useful plant (edible or herbal?). It may not be indigenous to Canada but imported from elsewhere... Any help identifying it would be welcome!
Thank you!
siseece

 

[Marck]

This is Goji or Matrimony Vine (Lycium barbarum) in the Nightshade Family (Solanaceae). The plant seems to have been grown in the shade, which explains the larger than typical leaves. L. barbarum is native to China, and is one of the commercial sources of red goji berries.