Is Bittersweet Vine Poisonous?
Is Bittersweet Vine Poisonous?. Vines can suffer from a case of mistaken identity. Harmless Virginia creeper is easily confused with the woody poison ivy vine. But what if the mistaken identity is correct? In the case of the plant known as the bittersweet vine, this conundrum prevails.
Vines can suffer from a case of mistaken identity. Harmless Virginia creeper is easily confused with the woody poison ivy vine. But what if the mistaken identity is correct? In the case of the plant known as the bittersweet vine, this conundrum prevails.
Types
There are three different plants known as the bittersweet vine: Celastrus scandens, or false bittersweet; Celastrus orbiculatus, or Asian bittersweet; and Solanum dulcamara, otherwise known as true bittersweet or American bittersweet.
Significance
Of the three plants that are known under as bittersweet vine, Solanum dulcamara is considered highly poisonous.
Warning
While false bittersweet and Asian bittersweet are deemed non-poisonous, they are known to cause severe stomach upset in the form of diarrhea and vomiting.
Effects
Solanum dulcamara contains a toxin known as solanine, which causes gastrointestinal effects as well as severe depressive effects on the brain and central nervous system.
Fun Facts
Solanum dulcamara is also known as poisonberry. Celastrus orbiculatus is considered an invasive species throughout North America, while Celastrus scandens is on many endangered species lists.
Check out these related posts