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Project Noah Nature School
Solanum dulcamara
Lovely purple blooms with bright gold pendant stamens caught my attention. The fruit THIS species produces is poisonous to humans and livestock.Interestingly enough, though many of our favorite "vegetables" (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant) share this genus, and the taxonomic family includes chili and bell peppers. Examine the leaves and stems and you can definitely see the "family resemblance." (Even some eggplants bear flowers that are stunning similar.)
Native to northern Africa, Europe and Asia, spreading throughout the world, occurring 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.
Spotted near the walking paths to the Maid of The Mist boats at Niagara Falls State Park (NY)
Spotted on Jul 6, 2013
Submitted on Oct 17, 2013
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