Tiny purple flowers of climbing NIGHTSHADE (Solanum dulcamara)
Also known as bittersweet or woody NIGHTSHADE (but it is not deadly NIGHTSHADE), this is a woody perennial that grows one to three metres (3 to 10 feet) tall. It probably grows some place near you unless you live in one of Canada's Prairie Provinces or in one of the most southern states in the U.S.
A cluster of inedible, somewhat poisonous red berries
Climbing NIGHTSHADE is a relative of tomatoes and potatoes. BUT don't eat them! Although rare, eating these berries can kill you.
I am linking to Jenny Matlock at Alphabe-Thursday HERE
33 comments:
I don't know much about either of these plants, but the word, "nightshade," sounds very ominous!
I shall try to avoid eating them!
Nightshade is (or can be) often fatal to small children who are attracted to the bright red berries. I always taught my kids (when they were little) never to eat anything they couldn't positively id... I follow that myself.. ie: mushrooms. Nicely captured...
such vibrant colors! Isnt it amazing that although you mentioned that they are related to tomatoes and potatoes, they are very poisonous? Don't you wonder how it was that people discovered which fruits, berries and other "finds" were edible or not? or the stories behind those that tried something for the first time and discovered what was good or not?
Blessings & Aloha!
...been a way from blogland, but happy to visit today.
What a good idea Great letter N . Nightshade.
It is still beautiful...I had thought it resembled tomatoes but had never checked into it. And had never even thought of potatoes but now that you mention it, I can see it.
I must live in one of those Southern states where it doesn't grow! Pretty name.
Your photos are gorgeous of the nightshade! We had them grown in our yard along the fence, and other people have informed me that they're called deadly nightshade.
There's a poem about eating red and white berries. I just can't find it, but if I do I will share it.
I'm sure it doesn't grow here, but pretty with the purple flowers and red berries. I can see where those berries would be attractive to kids.
Beautiful, yet deadly...I'm sure there is a parable in there somewhere...
Dawg-gone it these berries look delish,it's a shame you can't eat 'em.
Your photo's are fantastic!
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LazyonLoblolly
I'm not familiar with Nightshade, but I'll be sure to stay away from the berries.
I am glad to see another cousin of the eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes. The berries are beautiful. I once posted also a poisonous cousin, the Solanum mammosum, the species might intrigue you! The fruits are yellow, bright yellow.
Those inedible nightshade berries look a lot like wild cranberries, if I remember them right from my long ago childhood!
What a pretty plant! I had thought it was always poisonous.
Great shots!
This looks like a weedy vine in my yard that I am always pulling out. I don't know if it is nightshade or not.
I really need to figure out a bit more about nightshade. I think I have some on my property, and I'm thinking the goats should not eat it. Glad you posted this!
Teresa
The leaves and "eyes" of the potato plant are poisonous. Your photos are excellent!
I hope you will take the time to review one of the sites on my sidebars.
Thanks for your comment!
Beautiful shots! :) - I don´t know which birds are in the nest. LG Tina
Pretty name, pretty flower!
No, we wont' be eating those berries, no matter how pretty!
before I read the commentary, I wanted to say the deadly nightshade in Singapore is a shrub, not vine.
Imagine what the poisonous berries can do to a child.
I didn´t know "nightshade"
It sounds like... Batman!
Greetings
Always enjoy your beautiful photos for Alphabe-Thursday!
Stellar photos and a very unique N post. Love the bittersweet berry photo best - such rich color and sharp detail!
I'm your newest follower.
Beauty can be deadly sometimes!
Beautiful captures (as always!)
I've always thought nature did a brilliant job enticing 'customers' with that lovely purple flower and glowing red berries!
I think eggplant are members of the nightshade family, too.
Thanks for a nicely entertaining N link today!
A+
Purple is probably my most favorite color. To me, "Nightshade" sounds quite poetic (guess the poet in me would think so when others don't).
Anyway, lovely photos.
Magnificent colors, those berries are fantastic, wonderful shots!
Léia
You took such good pictures! We have these around here, too. I did a post with this plant in it for another abc meme last year. LOL Here's a link to it in case you'd like to take a peek... http://pnwnature.blogspot.com/2010/10/abc-wednesday-two-poisonous-n-plants.html
These are beautiful flowers and the berries are quite attractive too. It's too bad they're poisonous! Thanks for the warning :)
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