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Friday, July 17, 2009

Climbing Nightshade-Solanum dulcamara

We noticed this green creeping plant near a wet area with purple flowers, red fruits and leaves that reminded me of the potato family. Sure enough, that's the right family (Solanaceae), which also includes tomatoes, eggplants, tobacco, and petunias. 

This particular plant is Climbing Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), also called Bittersweet Nightshade. It's native to Europe and Asia.

The berries are attractive, but poisonous to humans and livestock, although birds can eat them (and spread them). The foliage can also be poisonous to humans.

The flowers are pretty, with purple petals in a star shape and protruding yellow stamens and style.

For more information about Climbing Nightshade, click here.

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