SOLA'NUM DULCAMARA. 
WOODY NIGHTSHADE, OR BITTERSWEET. 
Class. Order. 
PENTANDRIA. MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
SOLANEA2. 
Native of 
Height 
Flowers in 
Duration 
Cultivated 
Britain. 
6 feet. 
June, Aug. 
Perennial . ) 
in 1629. 
No. 109. 
Solanura is of uncertain derivation, though sup- 
posed to have been deduced from . the Latin solar, 
because it produces ease by its stupifying qualities. 
Dulcamara, from the Latin dulcis, sweet ; and amarus, 
bitter. This latter appellation, which is still retained 
as the pharmacopoeial name, was given to it from 
the peculiar taste of the plant. The roots and stalks, 
on being chewed, first cause a sensation of bitterness, 
which is soon followed by a considerable degree of 
sweetness ; hence the plant is called Bittersweet. 
Varieties, with flesh-coloured, and with white 
flowers ; and others also, with variegated leaves, have 
been cultivated. 
In our last number we gave the Atropa belladonna, 
or Deadly Nightshade ; and as these plants are fre- 
quently mistaken, the one for the other, and both of 
deleterious quality, we have thought it advisable not 
to omit the present subject. It is more frequently 
found wild than the Deadly Nightshade, though si- 
milar situations are suitable to either plant, as they 
sometimes grow together, which we have observed 
to be the case, in a low situation, in Worcestershire. 
The one, as well as the other, should be destroyed 
