woody nightshade
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A cluster of woody nightshade berries hangs from a twisting vine near a garden fence.
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.
A cluster of woody nightshade berries hangs from a twisting vine near a garden fence.
Noun
- poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; widespread weed in North America