Description
Bittersweet is a semi-woody herbaceous perennial vine, which scrambles over other plants.
Bitter nightshade, also called climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is commonly found throughout Minnesota growing along fencerows, alleyways, in hedges, and other waste places.Its a perennial woody vine with little star-shaped purple flowers and green berries that turn red when ripe.
Bitter night-shade spreads by seed, but its stem can also root as it creeps along the ground.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, bitter nightshade, blue bindweed, Amara Dulcis, climbing nightshade, fellenwort, felonwood, poisonberry, poisonflower, scarlet berry, snakeberry, trailing bittersweet, trailing nightshade, violet bloom, or woody nightshade |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 15.00 to 20.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | yellow |
| Bloom Time | May to June |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Apply glyphosate when the wind is calm and temperatures are in the 60-80 degree range, and no rain is expected for at least 24 hou Yellowing and wilting should start within 3-10 days after applying the herbicide. It may take several applications, 10-14 days apart, to complete the job.
Bitter nightshade care
Bittersweet nightshade is very common in King County and found everywhere from backyards to pastures, creeks, roadsides and vacant lots.
Spreads to new locations by birds eating the ripe berries and by fragments of stem and root moving in soil or water.
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 20 C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Bitter nightshade special feature
Woodland gardens, naturalized areas. Provides quick cover for fences, arbors, trellises, posts, walls or other structures in the landscape.
Also may be grown along the ground to camouflage rock piles or old tree stumps.
Bitter nightshade uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
- Its generally kep indoor in living room and in terrac area
Medicinal Use:
- Bittersweet nightshade has been used as a traditional external remedy for skin abrasions and inflammation