This is a large diverse genus in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with up to 1.500 species of annuals and perennials, vines, subshrubs, shrubs and small trees that are found nearly worldwide. The species S. dulcamara contains three important food crops: the tomato, potato and eggplant DNA testing of this genus will lead to further changes in the subgenera and sections. Growth requirements vary depending on the species. Most will need full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils. Propagation is from seeds or root cuttings or tubers. The flowers are 5-petalled white or blue flowers with prominent stamens and the leaves vary in size and shape per species. Some have edible fruits and some have edible tubers. Several are considered too toxic for humans and many should be kept away from pets. Use edible species in the garden and others are used as ornamentals. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Beetles, aphids and nematodes are pests to watch for. Diseases are wilts and blights
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Growth rate
Medium
Canopy layer
6 - Vine (vertical)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Climbing; Erect; Multi-stemmed
Leaf color
Green
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf margin
Dentate; Entire; Lobed; Serrate
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves can be alternate and petiolate or sessile. The blade is simple or pinnately compound with margins entire, dentate, or toothed to pinnately lobed or divided.
Flower color
Blue; White
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Blue or white 5-petalled flowers with prominent stamens
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit detail
Fleshy fruits vary per species
Stem detail
Stems are erect to prostrate or twining and branched with or without hairs.