The winter cherry plant is a flowering plant that flowers during summer followed by berries. Also known as the Jerusalem cherry and solanum pseudocapsicum, you will find it's a popular ornamental plant to buy at Christmas time, sold in many stores.
The Jerusalem cherry houseplant bears white flowers looking much like those of tomatoes or peppers. In fact, the plant is a member of the Nightshade family (Solonaceae) amongst which not only tomato and pepper are members, but also potato, eggplant and tobacco. The flowers precede long lasting ovoid fruits of red, yellow and orange, which are ½ to ¾ inches long. The brightly colored fruit are indeed the reason for Jerusalem cherry’s popularity and is sold as a houseplant during the dreary winter months when a “pop” of color is just what one needs. Despite their cheery colors, the fruit of the Jerusalem cherry houseplant is toxic and should be kept out of the reach of curious children and pets. Any part of the plant that is ingested can cause poisoning and even death.
