Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum Dulcamara)

OBSERVATION: The shrub is an invasive species that is not native to the Delta Burns Bog Nature Reserve located near Planet Ice in Delta at 10388 Nordel Court, Delta, BC V4G 1J7. During this visit to the Bog, I located the Solanum Dulcamara, also known as the Bittersweet Nightshade. The shrub was found near Davies Creek in the Bog. The shrub is about 1-3 metres tall with leaves ranging from 1-10 cm long. The flowers contain purple petals and are shaped like a star. The fruits are a small red circular shape which are poisonous to humans and animals. The shrub generally blooms around the end of spring/summer.

For more information please visit the US Forest Service webpage on Solanum Dulcamara: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/soldul/all.html

PHOTOS: Figure 1. Physical appearance of the Bittersweet Nightshade (Burns Bog Conservation Society, n.d.) Figure 2. Infestation map of the Bittersweet Nightshade in North America (USA National Phenology Network, n.d.)

CONSULTS: Robert Campbell, Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission Chair for the City of Delta "Dear Natasha, I understand this plant was introduced into the Delta environment over 125 years ago. It proliferates throughout the area including Burns Bog. As this plant is not as aggressive and problematic as other invasive species Delta does not have any controls for Bittersweet Nightshade. It primarily grows in disturbed areas of the bog. Burns Bog is owned by three levels of government and managed by a fourth, the Greater Vancouver Regional District pursuant to the Burns Bog Management Plan and agreements between the levels of government involved. Delta has an active role in the day to day and long term management of Burns Bog. For example, Dr. S. Howie is a Delta employee and one of the most knowledgeable scientists in the field. There is a budget for control of invasive species, plants are prioritized by staff and a plan formulated to remove these plants from the environment. Spartina is one of the top priorities and Bittersweet Nightshade is not considered a priority species at this time. I trust this helps. Cheers Robert Campbell"

Eliza Olson, President of Burns Bog Nature Reserve "It looks good except for the map. It is off Nordel Way and near the new South Fraser Perimeter exchange. In years past we have told our summer day campers as part of our wilderness training that '80% of blueberries are safe to eat but only 40% of red berries are safe.' I have lost the source."

References Burns Bog Conservation Society. (n.d.). Burns Bog Conservation Society Plant Guide. Retrieved from https://www.burnsbog.org/bog/wp-content/uploads/BBCS-Plant-Guide1.pdf USA National Phenology Network. (n.d.). Distribution Map for Solanum Dulcamara. Retrieved from https://www.usanpn.org/nn/Solanum_dulcamara