Scientific Name
Solanum nigrum
Common Name
Black nightshade

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Solanaceae
Plant Description
Annual herb; leaves alternate, simple, smooth margined; flowers small, white or pale violet, 5-parted; fruit a dull black berry.
Origin
South America.
Distribution
Uncommon in Coastal Plain.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, roadsides, edge of moist woods, wasteplaces, fencerows; forest or natural area.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Berries.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, salivation, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory depression; may be fatal.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Ripe berries are made into jam, but do not eat raw.
Toxic Principle
Solanine alkaloid.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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