Black nightshade - Solanum nigrum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Black nightshade

Also known as: Garden nightshade, Blackberry nightshade

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green, Purple

Leaf Color

4 mm to 9 mm

Flower Size

Green, Black

Fruit Color

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of Black nightshade

Distribution of Black nightshade

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Wasteland, Garden

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Black nightshade is often grown in gardens as an accent or specimen plant. Gardeners value its attractive star-shaped flowers in the summer and green then black berries in the autumn. Black nightshade is suitable for trellises and alongside walls in pollinator gardens. It may comfortably grow in a coastal setting.

Symbolism

Death, spirits, the underworld

Interesting Facts

Black nightshade has been documented by famous botanists and naturalists since the 19th century. English botanist Edward Salisbury wrote that fossil deposits indicated the presence of black nightshade in Britain since early man invented farming. Ancient Greek medical practitioners and Ancient Roman philosophers mention black nightshade in their writings. Famous naturalist Carl Linnaeus also wrote about black nightshade.

Name Story

Black nightshade: Solanum nigrum has been recorded from the remains of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic era of ancient Britain. The fruits will turn black when they reach maturity, so it is called black nightshade.

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Toxicity

Black nightshade is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially unripened berries, triggers symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, seizures, and possibly paralysis. Fatalities in children have been reported due to unripe berries. Veterinary care is essential for animals and immediate medical attention is advised if ingestion is suspected.

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Weed Control

Black nightshade is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to the Americas, Australia, and South Africa. Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, and Kentucky have all identified this as an invasive species. In Idaho, it is listed as an invasive species for being a trap crop. In Kentucky, it spreads in natural areas. At large, the weed competes with important crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers for vital water, light, and nutrients. It also hosts fungal and viral diseases, and its berries are poisonous to livestock and humans. This is especially worrisome around pea crops because the green berries look similar to peas. When necessary, this weed can be mechanically removed prior to flowering or be exposed to chemical herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of black nightshade is in early spring before the plant begins to set its seeds.

Hand Pulling: This is one of the simplest and most effective ways of controlling black nightshade. All you need to do is physically pull the plant out from the soil, being sure to remove the entire root system as any leftover roots may sprout again.
Tilling: Another method involves the use of a tiller to disturb the soil and uproot the black nightshade plants. After tilling, be sure to rake out and dispose of all plant pieces.
Mulching: Laying a thick layer of organic mulch around your plants can help suppress black nightshade. The mulch prevents the sunlight from reaching the weed, thus inhibiting its growth.
Planting Cover Crops: Planting cover crops can help suppress the growth of black nightshade. Cover crops like rye or clover can outcompete black nightshade for sunlight, nutrients, and space.
Vinegar Spray: Using a vinegar solution can also be an effective strategy for black nightshade control. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar, and then spray it directly onto the plants. Be careful to avoid the surrounding flora you wish to keep.

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Quickly Identify Black nightshade

Stout, erect stems with occasional purplish hue.

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

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Black nightshade

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Black nightshade, adaptable to various habitats, prefers a moderate moisture regime and a consistent weekly watering schedule. This annual herb thrives outdoors and benefits from regular rainfall during its growing season, enhancing its growth and overall health.

Propagation: Spring is the best time to sow black nightshade, which has moderate difficulty in propagation. Success is indicated by new green growth. Use well-draining soil to enhance propagation outcomes.

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Images of Black nightshade

Distribution of Black nightshade

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Black nightshade

Care Guide for Black nightshade

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