Day 336: Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) is common in western Washington wetlands, and although it is poisonous and in the same family, it is not the "belladonna" of notoriety (Atropa belladonna). Many plants in the family of Solanaceae are at least partially edible, e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, garden peppers (hot and sweet) and eggplant; the toxins are largely confined to the foliage. However, sensitive individuals may still react to the edible portions. Bittersweet Nightshade bears a red berry which resembles a tiny "grape" tomato. Birds can process the alkaloids contained in the fruit without ill effect as can some species of small mammals, but humans may experience digestive distress, permanent liver damage or cardiorespiratory distress from consuming the leaves or berries. Keep kids and pets away from this plant!
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