[Week #4 Wildflowers]


#32. Bittersweet Nightshade


Scientific Name: Solanum dulcamara


Family Name:

Potato Family


Habitat:

Moist open woods, disturbed areas, and gardens.


The photo at right shows the berries of bittersweet nightshade. The look like miniature tomatoes (the cousin of the nightshade).


Characteristics:

1. Nightshade is a vine that climbs into other plants.

2. The leaves are alternate and arrow-shaped.

3. The tiny purple and yellow flowers look like clusters of tiny shooting stars.

4. The berries are small, but bright red when ripe. They look like tiny tomatoes (a relative).


Uses or Importances:

1. All parts of this plant are considered to be poisonous!

2. Nightshadei s a relative of the tomato, eggplant, and potato.

3. It is a bothersome european weed that spreads easily because birds drop the seeds with their droppings.

4. The bright berries are a favorite bird food.


[Week #4 Wildflowers]


Paul Slichter