Bittersweet Nightshade: Identifying Solanum Dulcamara in Eastern Washington

Bittersweet Nightshade: Identifying Solanum Dulcamara in Eastern Washington

A gardener in Eastern Washington found a vine on their garden fence resembling wolfberry but lacking thorns. The vine bore small purple five-petaled flowers and berries that ripened from green to bright red. Birds and small animals were eating the fruit.

Whole plant

Flowers

Expert Identification

The plant is Solanum dulcamara, commonly called bittersweet nightshade. It belongs to the nightshade family and is toxic to humans and livestock, though birds consume the berries without harm and disperse the seeds. This native plant is often used by florists in wreaths and arrangements. Additional photos can be found via an image search.