Bittersweet nightshade

Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), also known as woody nightshade or European bittersweet, is a species of vine in the potato genus Solanum, family Solanaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and widely naturalized elsewhere, including North America, where it is an invasive problem weed.

Description

Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial vine, growing to 4 m (13 ft) in height. It has slender, trailing or climbing stems, which are green when young and become woody with age. The leaves are alternate, 4–12 cm long, with a lobed or entire margin. The flowers are star-shaped, with five purple petals and yellow stamens. The fruit is a red berry, 1 cm in diameter, which is poisonous to humans but eaten by birds.

Distribution and habitat

Bittersweet nightshade is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It grows in a wide range of habitats, including forests, hedgerows, riverbanks, and waste ground.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic due to the presence of solanine, a toxic alkaloid. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can cause hallucinations, paralysis, and death.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, bittersweet nightshade has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin diseases, rheumatism, and as a sedative. However, due to its high toxicity, it is not recommended for use without medical supervision.

Control

Control of bittersweet nightshade is difficult due to its rapid growth and ability to regenerate from small pieces of root. Methods include hand-pulling, cutting, and the use of herbicides.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Solanaceae
• Invasive species in the United States

This flora-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.