Bitter Nightshade

Bitter Nightshade, Bittersweet Nightshade

Solanum dulcamara L.

Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

▲ twining vines

▲ ▼ three-lobed leaves

▲ ▼ flowering stems

▼ immature fruit

▲ mature fruit

▲ vine climbing over hedge

Bitter Nightshade:

  • creeping perennial vining plant, with creeping roots
  • climbs by stems wrapping around objects
  • leaves smooth, similar to Eastern Black Nightshade
  • stems usually purplish, strong odor to bruised stem and foliage
  • flowers white with purple center
  • fruit a small green to red to purple berry
  • more common in slightly to mostly shady areas

Go to Midwest Weeds and Wildflowers Home Page