vine

Bittersweet Nightshade

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum dulcamara, commonly known as bittersweet nightshade, is a semi-woody perennial vine native to Eurasia that scrambles over structures and other vegetation. The dark green, arrowhead-shaped leaves emit an unpleasant odor when crushed and are joined by clusters of star-shaped purple flowers with prominent yellow stamens from late spring to early fall.

This species is distinguished by its bright red, highly toxic berries that ripen alongside late-season flowers, and its ability to vigorously resprout from deep rhizomes. In North America, it has naturalized extensively and is classified as an invasive weed in several northern and western states.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces contrasting purple flowers and bright red berries simultaneously over a long season.

Provides rapid cover on fences or trellises in difficult, damp, or alkaline soils.

Flowers support bumblebees with buzz pollination, while birds consume and disperse the seeds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

78"

Width

78"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eurasia

Toxicity

High

Bloom period

Late spring – Early fall

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, rich, neutral to alkaline soil.
Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or support structure for the twining stems to scramble over.
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry summer spells.
Prune the vine back hard in late winter or early spring to control its spread and remove dead wood.

Pro Tip

When removing unwanted plants, dig out the entire woody root crown and rhizome system; leaving broken root fragments in the soil allows the plant to rapidly resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid potential skin irritation from the sap.
Prune annually in late winter to keep the vigorous scrambling habit under control.
Grow in a contained area or container if you must cultivate it, to prevent aggressive spreading.

Don't

Do not plant near livestock pastures or areas frequented by children and pets due to extreme toxicity.
Do not prune back into old, completely leafless wood that lacks visible growth buds.
Do not allow the plant to self-seed near natural waterways or wetlands where it can become invasive.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or Fence CoverWild and Naturalistic GardensRiparian Stabilization (where native)

Companion Plants

Clematis virginiana Lonicera dioica Sambucus canadensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bittersweet Nightshade questions

What zones can Bittersweet Nightshade grow in?

Bittersweet Nightshade is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bittersweet Nightshade deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bittersweet Nightshade, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bittersweet Nightshade bloom?

Bittersweet Nightshade typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bittersweet Nightshade need full sun?

Bittersweet Nightshade does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.