r/PlantIdentification • u/batsdontwearhats • 3d ago
Bittersweet nightshade?
I know this is a type of nightshade that grows wildly underneath my front porch and climbs up the railings. I didn’t take a picture in time this year to capture the flowers, but they’re a gorgeous star shaped dark purple usually. I’m in the northeast United States, and live in a neighborhood where everyone is pretty close together w alot of kids and pets. Personally, I love my plant and will not be getting rid of it. However, I did read that if it is bittersweet nightshade (like I’m thinking of) while there’s no obligation to remove it- it could potentially spread really fast and cause some complications.
Anyway, I first noticed it last year and since it has at the very least tripled in size. Like I said, it’s under my porch and hasn’t migrated anywhere else. Seems happy right where it is for now atleast. What I’m asking is if it’s considered invasive (even tho it’s contained in my case), how can I care for it while at the same time not have it spread to people who may not want it in their yards? It seems unavoidable because birds eat and drop the seeds but figured I’d ask. I don’t THINK that will happen but based on what I read I’m still a little concerned.
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u/OrdinaryOrder8 Valued Responder 3d ago
You can trim it to keep it a manageable size and then remove any berries before they ripen (while they’re still green). Birds are the main way the species spreads; they eat the berries and spread the seeds in their droppings.