Bittersweet nightshade is a native of Eurasia, now widespread in North America, bordering on
invasive in some areas.
Identification: Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial vine
that rarely exceeds 10′ (3 m) in length.
The base of the vine is woody, but above-ground portions are not, and die back each year.
Leaves are dark green, 2-5″ (5-12 cm) long, oval or heart-shaped, with pointed tips. Sometimes
they have three lobes, a larger central one and two smaller side-pointing leaflets. The crushed leaves
have a disagreeable odor. Flowers are purple,
drooping, with five petals and a central bright yellow cone. They are about ½″ (1.3 cm) in diameter. Often the petals are bent back. Fruits are oval,
translucent berries in large clusters, deep red when mature, but yellow or orange while ripening. Each
berry is 1/16-¼″ (2-8 mm) in size.
Edibility: Poisonous Contains a substance that "in excess, paralyzes the central nervous system, slows the heart and respiration, and lowers temperature, causing vertigo, delirium, convulsions and death." All parts of the plant should be avoided.