Climbing Nightshade
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(Solanum dulcamara)
Climbing Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
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TeunSpaans
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
TeunSpaans
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: TeunSpaans | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: BotMultichill | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: SolanumDulcamara-bloem-sm.jpg | Notes: |
Summary
Solanum dulcamara, commonly known as Climbing Nightshade or Bittersweet, is a woody herbaceous perennial vine native to Eurasia and North Africa, thriving in a variety of habitats including hedgerows, riverbanks, and woodland edges. It is well-adapted to moist, semi-shaded conditions but can also tolerate full sun. This vine can reach up to 4 meters in height when supported, but typically grows between 1–2 meters. The leaves are heart-shaped at the base and sometimes lobed at the tip. From May to September, it produces loose clusters of star-shaped flowers with five purple petals and prominent yellow stamens and style, which are moderately showy. The fruit is a bright red berry, resembling a small tomato, which is attractive to birds that aid in seed dispersal.
Climbing Nightshade is valued for its ability to cover unsightly areas and provide quick screening, making it useful for trellises, fences, and as a ground cover in large areas. It is also used in traditional medicine, although caution is advised due to its toxicity. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. It requires minimal maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, it can be aggressive and may require regular pruning to keep it under control. In some regions, it is considered invasive due to its vigorous growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Climbing Nightshade is valued for its ability to cover unsightly areas and provide quick screening, making it useful for trellises, fences, and as a ground cover in large areas. It is also used in traditional medicine, although caution is advised due to its toxicity. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. It requires minimal maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, it can be aggressive and may require regular pruning to keep it under control. In some regions, it is considered invasive due to its vigorous growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub, Vine, Herb
- Height: 6-12 feet
- Width: 4-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to Eurasia and North Africa, thriving in hedgerows, riverbanks, and woodland edges
Other Names
Common Names: Bittersweet, Woody Nightshade, Bitter Nightshade, Dulcamara, Bittersweet Nightshade, European Bittersweet, Blue Nightshade, Fellenwort, Bittersød Natskygge, Bittersüss
Scientific Names: Solanum dulcamara, Solanum dulcamara var. marinum, Solanum dulcamara var. villosissimum, Solanum ruderale, Solanum persicum, Solanum dulcamara f. littorale, Solanum dulcamara f. albiflorum, Solanum marinum, Solanum assimile
GBIF Accepted Name: Solanum dulcamara L.