Solanum dulcamara

Common Name: 
bittersweet nightshade, climbing nightshade
Scientific Name: 
Solanum dulcamara L.
Family Name: 
Solanaceae - Nightshade Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced perennial, reproducing by seed and rooting horizontal stems
Stems
vine-like, twining on low vegetation or prostrate and creeping, becoming semi-woody
Stems of Bittersweet Nightshade
Stems of Bittersweet Nightshade
Stems of Bittersweet Nightshade
Leaves
alternate, ovate to oval, dark green, commonly with 2 (to 4) basal lobes or leaflets, petioled
Leaves of Bittersweet Nightshade
Leaves of Bittersweet Nightshade
Flowers
5-petaled, purple to dark violet; petals fused, curved downward; conspicuous yellow or orange stamens form cone; solitary or clustered from internodes or opposite leaves
Flowers of Bittersweet Nightshade
Flowers of Bittersweet Nightshade
Fruit
green berries, bright red when mature, oval
Fruits of Bittersweet Nightshade
Fruits of Bittersweet Nightshade
Other: 
unpleasant odor when crushed