Bittersweet Nightshade Solanum dulcamara

Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial vine or scrambling shrub in the Solanaceae (nighshade) family which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, pepper, and eggplants.  Often found winding around the trunks of trees and shrubs in wetland areas or sprawling along the ground. It has small purple flowers during the summer and bright red berries ripen during the summer and fall. The leaves and stems have an unpleasant odor when bruised or crushed.

The bittersweet nightshade is a native of Eurasia, but it has been introduced to many parts of the United States and Canada. It may be found in swamps, moist woods, edges of ponds, marshes, riverbanks, thickets, roadsides, and disturbed areas. The plant has been reported as an invasive species in parts of the United States including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Control of small infestations may be managed by manual control; however, large infestations may require the use of herbicides.  

The genus name, Solanum, is from the Latin word solamen, which means "comforting or soothing." The species name, dulcamara, is derived from a word meaning "bittersweet." The common name, bittersweet nightshade, comes from the sweet and bitter taste of the leaves and roots. The common name, felonwood or felonwort, is derived from its use as medicine for treating "felons."  A felon is an abscess of the soft tissue on the finger or toenail. Bittersweet nightshade has many other common names. 

Bittersweet nightshade prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, loamy soil. It can spread rapidly through rhizomes and prefers disturbed areas. Birds also disperse their seeds.

The stems of the vine are many-branched, smooth, and purple to greenish-brown. The leaves are dark green, ovate, and frequently have basal lobes. The flowers bloom in clusters, and each flower has five purple petals and a prominent column of yellow stamens. The fruit is a shiny red berry when ripened.

The flowers attract bumblebees and insects. The fruits are eaten by birds and some mammals. The vine provides a nesting site and protective covering for birds and other animals.

All parts of the bittersweet nightshade are toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. If ingested, symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. It is best practice to wear protective clothing and gloves when handling this plant because contact may result in skin irritation or dermatitis. 

Seasons of interest:

Bloom:  Summer         Fruits: Summer and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• low climbing, scrambling, sprawling semi-woody vine that climbs on adjacent vegetation
• stems are erect, young stems are purple and become greenish-brown
• woody lower stems, hollow pith, no tendrils
• leaves a dark green upper surface, ovate with basal lobes
• leaves and stems have an unpleasant odor when crushed or bruised
• clusters of flowers, each flower star-shaped, purple petals that curve backward with protruding yellow column of stamens
• small green berries that ripen to a shiny red

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Bittersweet nightshade may be susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, potato beetles, and thrips.  This woody vine is poisonous, and care should be taken when handling this plant.