This is a wild vine growing in my forest. Leaves are trifoliate, smooth, alternating, and there are red berry clusters. This is currently growing alongside some wild raspberry brambles.
Indeed, it is bittersweet nightshade aka climbing nightshade aka European nightshade (Solanum dulcamara, Solanaceae). This European species is an introduced weed in BC. Regards, Harri Harmaja
Thanks. The botanical keys that I was using to try and identify this plant has this down as a simple leaf, not trifoliate - but the basal lobes looked like completely separate leaves to me. I'm not surprised that this is classified as a weed - it seems that I have mostly weeds in my forest - garlic mustard, poison ivy, burdock, and some type of large woody vine that likes to hang all over the trees, which I haven't identified yet.
It might very well be a grape. The problem is that there aren't any leaves or berries on the vine that I can see, so I don't have anything to identify it with. There may be leaves at the end of the vine, but since the end is somewhere 30-50' up in the air, that doesn't help me either. Attached is a closeup of one vine near the ground, and a shot of it looping all over the tree.
jlemon, I know this is a bit late, but have you ever identified that woody vine you posted Oct, 2005? I have the same one growing and killing my trees, but I'm having a hard time finding out what it is. Thanks.
Yes, the vine was identified as "Smilax Herbacea" or Carrion Flower. Mine died in the transplant so it is no more.
