Definition

Noun: 1. A poisonous perennial climbing plant: A European vine (Solanum dulcamara) of the nightshade family, characterized by violet, star-shaped flowers with yellow centers and clusters of oval berries that ripen from green to yellow to a bright coral-red. It is considered a widespread weed in North America.

Usage Examples

• The fence line was covered in the twisting stems of woody nightshade.
• While the berries of woody nightshade are attractive, they are toxic and should not be eaten.
• Botanists identified the vine as woody nightshade, also known as bittersweet.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The name is often used in contrast to the more deadly "deadly nightshade" (). While poisonous, is generally considered less toxic than its infamous relative.
• In ecological writing: It is frequently described as an "introduced species" or "naturalized weed" in regions like North America, where it is not native.

Variants and Related Words

• Bittersweet: A common alternative name for this plant, though this term can also refer to unrelated plants, so context is important.
• Solanum dulcamara: The scientific Latin name for the species.
• Nightshade: The broader family name (Solanaceae) which includes this plant as well as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers.

Synonyms

• Bittersweet
• Climbing nightshade
• Felonwort

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the plant species . It should not be confused with "deadly nightshade" (), which is a different, more poisonous plant, or with other plants that may have "nightshade" in their common name.

Noun

1. poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; widespread weed in North America