How to identify Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara)

How to identify Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara)

Bittersweet, also known as Poisonberry, Woody nightshade

Bittersweet exhibits a sprawling semi-woody vine capable of climbing on surrounding vegetation, with young purple stems maturing to greenish-brown. This plant's woody lower stems feature hollow pith but no tendrils. Its foliage includes dark green, ovate leaves with basal lobes that emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. In its flowering phase, bittersweet produces star-shaped clusters of purple flowers with backward-curving petals and prominent yellow stamen columns. Following the blooms, it bears small green berries that mature to shiny red. Typically found in wetland areas, bittersweet can reach heights of 6.5-9.8 feet (2-3 meters) as it clambers up trees and shrubs or spreads across the ground.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bittersweet

Purple young stems maturing to greenish-brown without tendrils.

Dark green ovate leaves with basal lobes emitting unpleasant odor when crushed.

Star-shaped clusters of purple flowers with backward-curving petals and yellow stamen columns.

Small green berries maturing to shiny red, each housing tiny yellow seeds.

Trunk with wiry, thin bark bearing subtle lenticels for gas exchange.

Detailed Traits of Bittersweet

Leaf Features

The leaves of bittersweet are alternate and simple with entire margins, measuring 1.25 to 4 inches (3.2 to 10 cm) in length and 0.75 to 2.5 inches (1.9 to 6.4 cm) in width. Each leaf is ovate with basal lobes and displays a dark green upper surface with a lighter green underside. The surface is smooth to sparsely hairy, and when bruised or crushed, the leaves emit an unpleasant odor.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

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Flower Features

The flowers of bittersweet hang in clusters, each measuring 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) in diameter. They feature five bright purple petals that curve backward and encase a central, protruding yellow column of stamens. Occasionally, the petals can be white. These distinctive flowers are crucial for identification, noted for their vivid color contrast and backward-curving petal arrangement. Suitable for enthusiasts, these flowers typically bloom during the warmer months, adding a splash of vibrant color to their surroundings.

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Stem Features

The stems of bittersweet are stiff, erect, and climbing, featuring a hollow pith and single bundle scar. They are many-branched and can be smooth or sparsely hairy. Initially, young stems are purple but turn greenish-brown with age. The lower stems become woody. When crushed or bruised, the stems emit an unpleasant odor. These stems lack tendrils, which distinguishes them further. They provide crucial support and structure for the plant’s growth, reaching considerable lengths.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of bittersweet manifests as clusters of initially green berries that undergo a vivid transformation to shiny red upon maturation. Each oval-shaped berry is modest in size, measuring approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inches (9 to 12.7 mm) in diameter. These fruits are most often found ripened during the warmer seasons of summer and fall. Enclosed within the fleshy exterior, the berries house an abundance of minuscule yellow seeds that are packed tightly into the fruit's interior.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bittersweet and Their Similar Plants

Tomato vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Black nightshade vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a highly toxic plant and caution should be exercised around this plant. It's said that black nightshade fruits can technically be consumed if they are fully ripe and properly cooked and prepared. Generally though, due to the danger they present, no one would ever want to try to eat this plant.

Potato vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

The potato is native to North America and in the United States. Potato products are the second most consumed food. This starchy tuber is a staple in diets around the world and is considered the fourth most important worldwide crop.

American black nightshade vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

American black nightshade (*Solanum americanum*) is a flowering herb with unknown native origins, and it is poisonous. Its berries should not be consumed, as berry consumption has resulted in death in children.

Eggplant vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Eggplant (*Solanum melongena*) is a plant species related to nightshade and native to India. Eggplant is grown worldwide for its edible purple fruit. The spongy and absorbent fruit is a staple in Eastern cuisines. This plant is known as "brinjal" in South Africa and Asia, while the British call it 'aubergine'.

Carolina horsenettle vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Carolina horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States that is related to nightshade. Carolina horsenettle is a nettle in name, but it is not taxonomically a true nettle. All the parts of the plant are poisonous.

Jerusalem cherry vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is also known as "Christmas Cherry" or "Winter Cherry." It's called that because it bears fruit that look like cherries, but are actually poisonous berries. It's not indigenous to Israel, but was found growing there and was thus given the name jerusalem cherry. Its real native home is South America.

Potato vine vs. Bittersweet: What's The Difference?

Potato vine is a vine that is grown as an ornamental for its star-shaped flowers. The flowers emit a sweet scent that attracts birds but drives away deer. The genus name 'Solanum' means 'comforting or soothing' in English. It bears glossy berry-like fruits that are black, blue, and purple in color.

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Key Facts About Bittersweet

Attributes of Bittersweet

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 2.5 m

Spread

2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Purple

Yellow

Fruit Color

Red

Green

Burgundy

Orange

Stem Color

Green

Purple

Red

Yellow

Brown

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of Bittersweet

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Bittersweet

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Nightshades

Species

Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara)

Learn More About the Bittersweet

Distribution Map of Bittersweet

Bittersweet is widely native to Europe and Asia, where it will thrive in a range of ecosystems from marshland to woods. It is naturalized in North America, Brazil, and Colombia. In the United States it is considered an invasive weed.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Bittersweet

A Comprehensive Guide to Bittersweet How to Grow and Care for Bittersweet