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Bittersweet

©Anne Tanne

Bittersweet

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Scientific name: Solanum dulcamara
Bittersweet is a nightshade, so is toxic; its bright red berries may be tempting, but can cause serious illness. Found in hedgerows and gardens, it has purple flowers with yellow stamens.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 1.5m

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

May to October

About

Despite being a member of the nightshade family, Bittersweet (also known as 'Woody Nightshade') is one of the less toxic plants in this group, althought its berries are still poisonous. Found in hedgerows, gardens and even on shingle beaches, its purple flowers appear from May to September, and are followed by clusters of bright red berries.

What to look for

Bittersweet has oval, pointed leaves that are yellowy-green in colour. Purple flowers, with protruding yellow stamens, appear before the bright red, cherry tomato-like berries that hang in clusters.

Where to find

Widespread, but less common in Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

The leaves of Bittersweet smell of burnt rubber when crushed.