Distribution and habitat

Solanum dulcamara is widespread throughout Europe, into north Africa and across northern Asia to the northern islands of Japan.

It occurs from sea level to almost 2000 metres elevation in the Alps.

It is found in the India/Pakistan border region –Kashmir. It also occurs in North America and New Zealand, where it has been introduced from Europe.

Solanum dulcamara is normally found in open areas, for example

It thrives in disturbed soil and can regenerate from small pieces of stem left in the ground.

Seaside forms of S. dulcamara tend to be prostrate - flattened - with small, thick, leathery leaves.

Plants growing in swampy places with lots of water have larger leaves, and root along the stems.