Solanum dulcamara

Solanum dulcamara, commonly known as bittersweet nightshade, is a scrambling perennial climber with slender woody stems and soft green leaves that often show lobed bases. From summer into early autumn it produces small star-shaped purple flowers with prominent yellow centres, followed by bright red berries that add seasonal interest along hedgerows and watersides.

This native species is valuable for wildlife, providing nectar for pollinators and food for birds later in the year. Its flexible, trailing habit and tolerance of damp soils make it well suited to pond margins, riversides, fences, and naturalistic or wildlife-focused planting schemes.