This picture shows nightshade berries against the green trunks of hawthorn saplings. Even though nightshade is considered to be an invasive plant locally, the flowers and berries are striking and beautiful. Here in western Oregon, it sprouts prolifically from seed dropped by birds on damp ground surrounding our wetland.
This nightshade, Solanum dulcamara, is a member of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes chilies, eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes. Also known as Potato Vine, Climbing Nightshade, Bittersweet Nighshade, or Deadly Nightshade, this plant is reputed to be toxic if ingested. Authorities disagree about whether it is mildly toxic or extremely poisonous, but the toxicity is related to the size of the dose, and according to Paghat the Ratgirl the fruits of this plant are so bitter that it would be difficult to force down a lethal dose.
I wouldn't know; I haven't tried eating any.
Ash Creek Images
Photographs of the West by Doug Gorsline
Rainwater Drips from Nightshade Berries Against a Background of Hawthorn.
