Solanum dulcamara

Solanum dulcamara, also known as bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, blue bindweed, Amara Dulcis, climbing nightshade, fellonwood, felonwood, scarlet berry, snakeberry, trailing bittersweet, trailing nightshade, violet bloom, or woody nightshade, is a species of vine in the potato genus Solanum, family Solanaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and widely naturalised elsewhere, including North America, where it is an invasive problem weed.

Description

Solanum dulcamara is a perennial vine, growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall, with woody stems and small, oval, deciduous leaves. The flowers are in loose clusters, star-shaped, with five purple petals and yellow stamens and style pointing forward. The fruit is a red berry.

Distribution and habitat

Solanum dulcamara is native to Europe and Asia, and widely naturalised in North America. It is commonly found in hedgerows, woodlands, along riverbanks and in waste places.

Uses

The plant has been used in traditional medicine, and has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, although it is not currently used in modern medicine. It is also used as an ornamental plant.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic due to the presence of solanine, which can cause symptoms if ingested, and contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

See also

• List of Solanum species
• Invasive species in the United States