This relative of the deadly nightshade is also a poisonous plant, but far less so than its notorious cousin. Bittersweet is common and found throughout the UK and Ireland except in the far north. It is also found in much of northern and central Europe.
Bittersweet, also known as woody nightshade, is a member of the same family as the potato and tomato. It is a climbing plant and blooms from June to September. This attractive summer flower is mainly seen in hedgerows and on moist grassy banks beside rivers, streams and ponds.
The berries, which appear in autumn, turn gradually from green to bright red. They should not be eaten.
The pictures on this page were taken in West Wales in June.
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