Solanum dulcamara
bittersweet
A deciduous woody, or herbaceous climber reaching 2.5m. It has tri-foliate leaves with one major central one and two small flanking leaflets. Purple flowers with yellow centres develop into green then red jewel-like berries, eaten by birds
Other common names
bitter nightshadebluebird
see moreclimbing nightshade
fellen
fellonwood
fellonwort
felonwood
felonwort
mad dog's berry
mortal
poisonous nightshade
radical weed
scarlet berry
scarlet egg plant
violet bloom
woody nightshade
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow up a fence or through other shrubs, in any soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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