Species guide
Bittersweet nightshade
Toxic if eatenSolanum dulcamara
What does Bittersweet nightshade look like?
A scrambling woody vine with purple star-shaped flowers around a yellow central cone, and clusters of egg-shaped berries that ripen from green to bright red.
Is Bittersweet nightshade dangerous?
All parts are poisonous if eaten, the berries most of all — a particular risk to children and pets, though rarely fatal in adults.
Commonly confused with
- Deadly nightshade: black berries and bell-shaped flowers — far more dangerous
What should I do about Bittersweet nightshade?
Keep children and pets away from the berries, and wear gloves to pull it.
Never decide what's safe to eat or touch from a photo or a web page. Identification here is for learning and curiosity only. For anything you might eat, handle or that could harm you or a pet, consult a qualified local expert, and seek medical or veterinary care if exposure has happened.