How to identify American black nightshade (Solanum americanum)

How to identify American black nightshade (Solanum americanum)

American black nightshade, also known as Glossy nightshade, Caribnettle

American black nightshade rises as an upright herb or diminutive shrub, with a potential stature of 4 feet (1.2 meters). Its angular, green stem varies from smooth to minutely hairy. The foliage, green to dark green and slightly hairy beneath, displays ovate or lanceolate leaves. Summer and fall bring forth clusters of starry, five-petaled, white flowers showcasing a central yellow cone. Fruit development stages from green spheres with white speckles to lustrous black or blackish-purple berries.

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American black nightshade

Upright growth reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters), with green angular stem varying in texture.

Ovate or lanceolate leaves, toxic to livestock, green to dark green with slight hairiness.

Clusters of star-shaped white flowers with yellow central cone, 0.4 inches (1 cm) diameter.

Small berries start green with white speckles, ripening to lustrous black or purplish-black.

Distinctive angular, many-branched stem, without prickles, may show slight purplish hue.

Detailed Traits of American black nightshade

Leaf Features

The leaves of american black nightshade are approximately 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) long and can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in width. They are green to dark green, simple, and alternate with an ovate or lanceolate shape. The margins are smooth with slight waves or mild teeth. The undersides have a slight hairiness. Veins are noticeable but not prominent. These leaves are toxic to livestock, making them a critical identification feature.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Entire ,

Undulate

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Flower Features

The flowers of american black nightshade are star-shaped and white, featuring five backward-curving petals. They appear in umbellate cymes, each containing 3 to 10 blossoms. At the center of each flower are prominent, bright yellow stamens. The blooms typically measure around 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The arrangement and distinctive coloration of the flowers make them easily recognizable and visually striking during their blooming period.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of american black nightshade is erect and angular, featuring a branching pattern that is many-branched. Its surface can either be smooth or slightly hairy, but notably lacks any prickly characteristics. The stem varies in thickness but typically maintains a firm structure, contributing to the plant's upright growth. The color of the stem may range from green to slightly purplish, offering a slight hue variation that is visible upon close inspection.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of american black nightshade consists of small clusters of berries, each initially a green hue with distinct white speckles. Upon ripening, the exterior color transitions to a lustrous black or purplish-black. These spherical berries are diminutive in size, generally measuring under 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) in diameter. Encapsulated within the flesh, one can find approximately 50-100 light tan seeds, each of minuscule proportion. It is important to note that these berries are known to carry toxins harmful to livestock.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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American black nightshade and Their Similar Plants

Tomato vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Black nightshade vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a highly toxic plant and caution should be exercised around this plant. It's said that black nightshade fruits can technically be consumed if they are fully ripe and properly cooked and prepared. Generally though, due to the danger they present, no one would ever want to try to eat this plant.

Potato vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

The potato is native to North America and in the United States. Potato products are the second most consumed food. This starchy tuber is a staple in diets around the world and is considered the fourth most important worldwide crop.

Bittersweet vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

The species known as bittersweet is a semi-woody vine found in forests, marshes, shrublands, and hedgerows. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids (especially the bright red berries), which are extremely poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested. In spite of its toxicity, bittersweet was hung as a talisman in the past to ward off witchcraft.

Eggplant vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Eggplant (*Solanum melongena*) is a plant species related to nightshade and native to India. Eggplant is grown worldwide for its edible purple fruit. The spongy and absorbent fruit is a staple in Eastern cuisines. This plant is known as "brinjal" in South Africa and Asia, while the British call it 'aubergine'.

Carolina horsenettle vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Carolina horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) is a perennial herb native to the southeastern United States that is related to nightshade. Carolina horsenettle is a nettle in name, but it is not taxonomically a true nettle. All the parts of the plant are poisonous.

Jerusalem cherry vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is also known as "Christmas Cherry" or "Winter Cherry." It's called that because it bears fruit that look like cherries, but are actually poisonous berries. It's not indigenous to Israel, but was found growing there and was thus given the name jerusalem cherry. Its real native home is South America.

Potato vine vs. American black nightshade: What's The Difference?

Potato vine is a vine that is grown as an ornamental for its star-shaped flowers. The flowers emit a sweet scent that attracts birds but drives away deer. The genus name 'Solanum' means 'comforting or soothing' in English. It bears glossy berry-like fruits that are black, blue, and purple in color.

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Key Facts About American black nightshade

Attributes of American black nightshade

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 1.5 m

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Green

Fruit Color

Black

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Deciduous

The Toxicity of American black nightshade

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of American black nightshade

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Family

Nightshade

Genus

Nightshades

Species

American black nightshade (Solanum americanum)

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Distribution Map of American black nightshade

American black nightshade is a climbing woodland shrub native to most parts of the Americas. It is also a widespread introduced species growing through large parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Despite its wide distribution, this species isn't classed as invasive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the American black nightshade

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