The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
bittersweet nightshade
NOUN:
A poisonous climbing or trailing plant (Solanum dulcamara) native to Eurasia and a widespread weed in North America, having violet flowers with recurved corolla lobes and red berries. Also called bittersweet, deadly nightshade.
ETYMOLOGY:
After its roots, which are said to taste bitter, then sweet when chewed.
