Bittersweet Nightshade

Solanum dulcamara

bittersweet nightshade, bittsersweet, blue bindweed, bitter nightshade, climbing nightshade, violet bloom, woody nightshade, amara dulcis, and felonwort

Bittersweet nightshade is a common weed in Midwestern North America where I am gardening, though it is native to Eurasia. It has a bad reputation for being toxic, and it is toxic, but that’s not its whole story.

Bittersweet Nightshade History and Folkore

Bittersweet nightshade is a vining plant that is native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America and other places throughout the world.

Bittersweet Nightshade in the Garden

Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial vining plant that will climb any support up to six feet tall, but usually closer to 3 feet- or, in absence of a support, you may find it trailing along the ground. The stem can get woody as the plant ages. Roots can form at the nodes along the stem.

The leaves of bittersweet nightshade are arranged alternately along the stem and are arrow shaped and may have lobes near the bottom, but often don’t. You may find both lobed and unlobed leaves on the same plant or all may be one or the other.

The star-shaped flowers of bittersweet nightshade appear in late spring/early summer. They have five petals and are deep purple with yellow or orange centers appearing in clusters at the end of the stem.

Berries appear later in the summer. They are red, egg-shaped and juicy and contain round, flat, yellow seeds. They look and smell quite a bit like tiny tomatoes- though they are not edible. It is both toxic and unpalatable to humans and most other mammals, though many bird species find the berries delightful.

 

Do not confuse Bittersweet Nightshade with the following lookalike and/or soundalike.

Black Nightshade – Has white flowers and black berries. The berries are not toxic, but the leaves are.

Deadly Nightshade– Flowers are bell-shaped, not star-shaped. The black berry is framed by a visible calyx. Much more toxic in much more interesting ways.

Enchanter’s Nightshade – Not a nightshade, doesn’t look anything like a nightshade.

American bittersweet. Also not a nightshade.

Oriental Bittersweet.  Also not a nightshade. An aggressive vine and the bane of my existence.

Currant tomatoes- Tasty.

Bittersweet Nightshade prefer moist, rich soil and full sun to partial shade

Bittersweet Nightshade in the Kitchen

Bittersweet nightshade contains toxic alkaloids and solasonine, common in the solanum genus, in high enough concentrations to be dangerous to ingenst. The bitter flavor of these alkaloids makes it unlikely it will be consumed, but it does look tasty.

Solanum dulcamara for Healing

The stems of bittersweet nightshade have documented historical use for the treatment of eczema, acne and other skin conditions. The stem is gathered when the plant is dormant and there are no leaves present. Then it is shredded and steeped in boiling water, cooled and strained before applying to the skin. It is considered “possibly safe” when used this ways, but should not be applied to open wounds, or near the mouth or mucus membranes.

Culpeper described the use of the juice of the berry against “felons” on the fingers, which I believe to be referencing a herpes infection, like a cold sore, on the fingers.

It is important to note that bittersweet nightshade does contain high concentrations of nightshade alkaloids that can cause intestinal distress, dizziness, slowed breathing and death. The leaves, roots and berries are considered more toxic than the stem.

Research is ongoing regarding bittersweet nightshades medicinal uses. For now the potential toxicity outweighs any benefits for internal use.

Bittersweet Nightshade Magick

Bittersweet nightshade symbolizes fidelity and hanging on for both the “bitter” and the “sweet” in a relationship or situation. The vine and flowers may be added to bridal wreaths or the berries added relationship container spells to bring in this energy. It can also help balance bitter memories with the sweet and help heal a broken heart. Place the dried berries in a bag to carry or keep under your pillow.

According to various lore(as related by Culpepper and others), it has historically been used to ward off the evil eye and diseases caused by magick by hanging it around the neck of the target. It may also be hung in a secret place inside the home to protect from such spiritual attacks.

This plant resonates with the energies of Saturn and Mercury and the Air element.

The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpepper

At Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49513