Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

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Solanum dulcamara L.

bittersweet (Solanaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyS
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Solanum dulcamara mainly grows in woodlands, especially where the soil is damp.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2008-05-30

 bittersweet / Solanum dulcamara: _Solanum dulcamara_ mainly grows in woodlands, especially where the soil is damp.

The leaves of Solanum dulcamara, with 2 small side-lobes, are quite distinctive.

Shotover (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2013-11-08

 bittersweet / Solanum dulcamara: The leaves of _Solanum dulcamara_, with 2 small side-lobes, are quite distinctive.

The fruit of Solanum dulcamara is a shiny, red, slightly elongate berry.

Wilstone (VC20: Hertfordshire); 2015-07-23

 bittersweet / Solanum dulcamara: The fruit of _Solanum dulcamara_ is a shiny, red, slightly elongate berry.

A prostrate, maritime form is recognised as Solanum dulcamara var. marinum.

Shoreham-by-Sea (VC13: West Sussex); 2016-06-21

 bittersweet / Solanum dulcamara: A prostrate, maritime form is recognised as _Solanum dulcamara_ var. _marinum_.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne