Scientific Name
Solanum dulcamara
Common Name
Deadly nightshade, climbing nightshade, European bittersweet

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Solanaceae
Plant Description
Woody vine; leaves alternate, simple, usually with basal, ear-like lobes; flowers small, 5-parted, purple; fruit a red berry.
Origin
Eurasia; naturalized.
Distribution
Mountains.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, roadsides, edge of moist woods, wasteplaces, fencerows; forest or natural area.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, salivation, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory depression; may be fatal.
Toxic Principle
Solanine and other alkaloids.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species