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Black nightshade

How to identify Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Black nightshade, also known as Garden nightshade, Blackberry nightshade

Black nightshade is characterized by its erect, stout stems which can sometimes exhibit a purplish hue. The plant typically features dark green foliage, with leaves that may be either hairy or smooth, and have entire, wavy, or dentate edges. Its flowers are small, star-shaped, and white, with prominent yellow anthers, arranged in umbel-like cymes consisting of 3 to 23 blooms. During summer and fall, black nightshade produces clusters of berry-like fruits that transition in color from green to either black or purplish-black, and which are soft in texture.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Black nightshade

1

Stout, erect stems with occasional purplish hue.

2

Dark green leaves, hairy or smooth, with varied edges.

3

Small white flowers in umbel-like cymes, yellow anthers.

4

Berries green to black/purplish-black, soft texture.

5

Alternate, ovate to lanceolate leaves, hairy/smooth surfaces.

Black nightshadeBlack nightshadeBlack nightshadeBlack nightshadeBlack nightshade

Detailed Traits of Black nightshade

Leaf Features

The leaves of black nightshade are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green with a hint of purple on the undersides. They are alternate, simple, and range from ovate to lanceolate in shape. Each leaf measures 1.5 to 4 inches (3.8 to 10 cm) in length and 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in width. The margins can be entire, wavy, or coarsely dentate, and the surface may be either hairy or smooth.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Ovate

Black nightshade Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire ,
Undulate

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Flower Features

The flowers of black nightshade bloom from May to August, displaying tiny, star-shaped blossoms with 5 white petals sometimes flushed with purple or pale blue. Each flower has a yellow-green center and measures 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.28 inches) in diameter. They are arranged in umbel-like cymes, featuring 3 to 12 flowers per stalk. The flowers also boast five stamens with prominent yellow anthers, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Black nightshade Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Monochasium ,
Cymes

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Stem Features

The stem of black nightshade is characterized by its erect and stout structure. It features a green color that may be tinged with purple. The stem can be either hairy or hairless and has an angular shape. At the base, the stem may become woody. Its robust and angular appearance, along with possible hairiness and purplish tinge, are key identifying features.

Black nightshade Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of black nightshade is a delicate, globular berry approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) in diameter, borne in clusters. On maturation, these fleshy berries undergo a color transformation from green to a deep black or purplish-black hue. Each berry contains multiple, tiny disk-shaped seeds that are flat and about 2 mm across. These fruits are typically observed from the month of July through November, offering a distinct visual transition that marks their ripening phase.

Black nightshade Fruit image
Fruit Type

Berry

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Black nightshade

Attributes of Black nightshade
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Flower Size
4 mm to 9 mm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Fruit Color
Green
Black
Stem Color
Green
Purple
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Black nightshade

Species
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Learn More About the Black nightshade

Distribution Map of Black nightshade

Black nightshade is native to all land except Oceania and Antarctica and is found predominantly in disturbed land with warm, fertilizer-rich soil. It was also introduced into Oceania. It's now considered a regular garden weed.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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