Family: Solanaceae
bittersweet nightshade, climbing nightshade, deadly nightshade
Kitty Kohout
Kitty Kohout
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium (UWSP)
Etymology: Solanum: Latin for "quieting," in reference to the narcotic properties of some species
Plants: trailing or twining perennial, up to 8' tall, mostly smooth, woody vine
Leaves: stalked, mostly simple but some with 2 lower lobes
Flowers: purple to blue with shiny, green spots in the center, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, saucer-shape; inflorescence a 1"-3" wide, branched cluster; blooms June-Sep
Fruits: green, then yellow, then orange, then bright red, 1/4" berry
Habitat: moist; disturbed sites, woods, cliffs, marshes
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
Plants: trailing or twining perennial, up to 8' tall, mostly smooth, woody vine
Leaves: stalked, mostly simple but some with 2 lower lobes
Flowers: purple to blue with shiny, green spots in the center, 5-parted, 1/2" wide, saucer-shape; inflorescence a 1"-3" wide, branched cluster; blooms June-Sep
Fruits: green, then yellow, then orange, then bright red, 1/4" berry
Habitat: moist; disturbed sites, woods, cliffs, marshes
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive
Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Kitty Kohout
Christopher Noll
Paul Skawinski
Christopher Noll
Matthew L. Wagner
