bitter nightshade Solanaceae Solanum dulcamara L.   symbol: SODU
	Leaf: Alternate, simple, entire margins, (2 to 4 inches) broadly ovate often with basal lobes, dark green above and lighter below, hairless. Flower: Hanging clusters, each flower about 3/4 inch across, bright purple petals (occasionally white), yellow anthers, pretty, appearing all summer. Fruit: Hanging cluster of bright red, egg-shaped berries (3/8 to 1/2 inch long), ripen throughout the summer and fall. Twig: Initially green, turning light brown, hollow pith, quite stiff, single bundle scar. Bark: Light brown, thin and lenticeled. Form: Low climbing, scrambling, sprawling vine often draping low over trees and shrubs.
	USDA Plants Database Solanum dulcamara is planted in the highlighted USDA hardiness zones to the left and may seed into the landscape. See a map of the states in which bitter nightshade has escaped (opens a new window).