woody nightshade

plant

Also known as: Solanum dulcamara, bittersweet, nightshade

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Woody nightshade, also known as bittersweet, is a species within the Solanum genus, which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. This genus encompasses about 2,300 species of flowering plants. While the term "nightshade" often brings to mind poisonous plants, the Solanum genus also includes important food crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.1

Woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is a perennial plant that can grow as a small herb or a small tree. Its leaves are alternate, and its flowers are typically white, yellow, or purple, with five petals. The plant produces a berry-like fruit. The foliage and red berries of woody nightshade are poisonous due to the presence of solanine, which can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities.1

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bittersweet
) or woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is an herbaceous vine, up to 4.5 m long; the violet and yellow star-shaped flowers are followed by shiny green berries that gradually turn bright red.
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) or woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is an herbaceous vine, up to 4.5 m long; the violet and yellow star-shaped flowers are followed by shiny green berries that gradually turn bright red.
Read More

nightshade
…also known as bittersweet and woody nightshade. Its foliage and egg-shaped red berries are poisonous, the active principle being solanine, which can cause convulsions and death if taken in large doses. The black nightshade (S. nigrum) is also generally considered poisonous, but its fully ripened fruit and foliage are cooked…
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…also known as bittersweet and woody nightshade. Its foliage and egg-shaped red berries are poisonous, the active principle being solanine, which can cause convulsions and death if taken in large doses. The black nightshade (S. nigrum) is also generally considered poisonous, but its fully ripened fruit and foliage are cooked…
Read More