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Solanum dulcamara
Solanum dulcamara, also known as Bittersweet, Bttersweet Nightshade, Bitter Nightshade, Blue Bindweed, Amara Dulcis, Climbing Nightshade, Fellenwort, Felonwood, Poisonberry, Poisonflower, 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. It occurs in a very wide range of habitats, from woodlands to scrubland, hedges and marshes. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region and was first spotted in 1843. Bittersweet is a semi-woody herbaceous perennial vine, which scrambles over other plants, capable of reaching a height of 4 m where suitable support is available, but more often 1–2 meters high. The leaves are 4–12 cm long, roughly arrowhead-shaped, and often lobed at the base. The flowers are in loose clusters of 3–20, 1–1.5 cm across, star-shaped, with five purple petals and yellow stamens and style pointing forward. The fruit is an ovoid red berry about 1 cm long, soft and juicy, and edible for birds, which disperse the seeds widely. The fruit is a bay red ovoid with the aspect and odour of a tiny tomato. The berry is poisonous to humans and livestock but edible for birds that disperse their seeds. The berry's attractiveness and familiar look make it dangerous for children. The foliage is also poisonous to humans. It is native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, spreading throughout the world. The plant is relatively important in the diet of some species of birds such as European thrushes that feed on its fruits, which are immune, scattering the seeds. It grows in all types of terrain with a preference for wetlands and the understory of riparian forests. Along with other climbers it creates a dark and impenetrable shelter for varied animals. The plant grows well in dark areas in places where it can receive the light of morning or afternoon. An area receiving bright light for many hours reduces their development. It grows more easily in rich wet soils with plenty of nitrogen.
It occurs in a very wide range of habitats, from woodlands to scrubland, hedges and marshes. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region and was first spotted in 1843. Bittersweet is a semi-woody herbaceous perennial vine, which scrambles over other plants, capable of reaching a height of 4 m where suitable support is available, but more often 1–2 meters high. The leaves are 4–12 cm long, roughly arrowhead-shaped, and often lobed at the base. The flowers are in loose clusters of 3–20, 1–1.5 cm across, star-shaped, with five purple petals and yellow stamens and style pointing forward. The fruit is an ovoid red berry about 1 cm long, soft and juicy, and edible for birds, which disperse the seeds widely. The fruit is a bay red ovoid with the aspect and odour of a tiny tomato. The berry is poisonous to humans and livestock but edible for birds that disperse their seeds. The berry's attractiveness and familiar look make it dangerous for children. The foliage is also poisonous to humans. It is native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, spreading throughout the world. The plant is relatively important in the diet of some species of birds such as European thrushes that feed on its fruits, which are immune, scattering the seeds. It grows in all types of terrain with a preference for wetlands and the understory of riparian forests. Along with other climbers it creates a dark and impenetrable shelter for varied animals. The plant grows well in dark areas in places where it can receive the light of morning or afternoon. An area receiving bright light for many hours reduces their development. It grows more easily in rich wet soils with plenty of nitrogen.
Spotted on Jul 10, 2011
Submitted on Mar 31, 2012
