Integrated Pest Management
Bittersweet Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara
Description
- climbing vine with alternately arranged lance or heart-shaped leaves; rhizomes (underground stems) are produced by the plant
- star-shaped flowers with purple petals that curve away from a yellow conical center
- clusters of round berries change color from green to yellow to orange to red as they mature
- all plant parts are toxic
Location
- climbing and twining through small trees and shrubs or up structures such as fences
Life Cycle
- perennial; seedlings germinate in early spring
- flowers appear late spring to early fall
- berries are produced late summer until late fall
IPM Recommendations
- Hand-pull plants in planting beds prior to seed maturation and manually remove underground structures to prevent re-sprouting.
- Spot treat foliage with appropriate post-emergent systemic herbicide when plants are actively growing.