Bittersweet Nightshade
Solanum dulcamara · Solanaceae
How it looks
Bittersweet Nightshade is a nightshade-family herb that grows as a vine, producing star-shaped flowers with purple petals swept back and yellow anthers clustered at the center. In fall, round red fruits hang in clusters. The leaves are heart- or spear-shaped, and it grows 3-7 ft (1-2 m) tall as a vine.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Bittersweet Nightshade (especially the fruit) contain irritating compounds that can cause heavy drooling and tremors if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Bittersweet Nightshade rarely leads to serious trouble, but the solanine and solasonine it contains irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild digestive upset. Make a habit of picking up fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot out of your cat's reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite drops noticeably, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Solanum dulcamara
- Common name
- Bittersweet Nightshade
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the fruit)
- Compounds
- Solanine, Solasonine
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Hypersalivation, gastrointestinal upset, tremors
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Solanaceae
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