A poisonous member of the Solonacea family that includes potatoes and tomatoes, but also deadly nightshade. Can be a prolific weed in the garden with a bushy habit growing to around 100cm. White flowers and black berries. There are at least two varieties, a species complex and cultivated versions, some of which are edible (sometimes after special preparation) – but not the wild UK variety. Ingestion causes effects delayed by 6 – 12 hours including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, confusion, and abdominal pains.
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Black Nightshade
Black Nightshade
| Hedgerow Type | |
| Common Names | Black nightshade, Blackberry nightshade |
| Scientific Name | Solanum nigrum |
| Season Start | Jul |
| Season End | Sep |
Please note that each and every hedgerow item you come across may vary in appearance to these photos.
Leaves
Oval to heart shaped with slightly serrated edges, 50-70mm.
Flowers
On separate stems opposite to leaves, White in clusters, with 5 petals and a yellow centre. 10-15mm. Very similar to tomato.
Fruit
Clusters of tomato like berries, starting green ripening to black, 5-10mm. Structure like a tomato, many seeds in a soft pulp.
Habitat
A plant of disturbed fertile ground – a weed of cultivated farmland and gardens.
Possible Confusion
Woody Nightshade, pictured, is similar but has purple flowers.
Frequency
Fairly common.
Other Facts
Edible varieties are cultivated around the world, but it is never a high quality crop, eaten by the poor, the berries sometimes made into jam.
