Jerusalem Cherry Flower

Did you know

• The bright orange-red berries resemble cherry tomatoes but are toxic — they contain solanocapsine, which causes gastrointestinal distress.
• Despite its name, Jerusalem cherry is not from Jerusalem and is not a cherry — it is a South American relative of tomatoes.
• It is widely sold as a Christmas pot plant in Europe and North America, prized for its cheerful winter berries.
• The plant has naturalized on every continent except Antarctica and is considered invasive in parts of Australia and Africa.
• Birds eat the berries without harm and spread seeds widely, which is why this plant turns up in unexpected places.

Color meanings

Uses

• holiday decorative plant
• container ornamental
• greenhouse plant
• warm-climate garden shrub