Edge/ Black Nightshade

COMMON NAME: Black Nightshade

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Deadly Nightshade, Garden Nightshade, Wonderberry, Petty-Morell, Poisonberry

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solanum nigrum

FAMILY: Solanaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from Europe

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 6 inches to 4 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Late June to Mid-October

FRUITING TIME: July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida ~ Statewide in NJ

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Small white flowers with 5 petals in 6 to 10 blossomed umbel-like, nodding group ~ Fruit is pea-sized black, occasionally green or yellow berry ~ Stem erect, leafy, outward inclined branches ~ Leaves fleshy, rhomboid or oval ~ Plant has a musk-like odor when wilted

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Solanaceae) commonly called the Nightshade Family of herbs, shrubs, trees, and woody vines is composed of 2000 species.  This family has many strong-scented plants and is a major source of foods, drugs, and ornamentals.  One specie (Atropa belladonna, also called “deadly nightshade”) is a cultivated perennial in New Jersey.  The species contain toxic alkaloids.  The Latin, scientific name Solanum nigrum means “quietening black”. Black Nightshade was once cultivated for its berries even though the berries had a reputation for being poisonous.  The green berry contains  poisonous alkaloids. The 1998 edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines reports that according to folk medicine, Black Nightshade was used as an antispasmodic, pain reliever, sedative and narcotic.  Today, it is indicated for gastric irritations and cramps.  Externally, it can be used for psoriasis, hemorrhoids and abscesses.  The brusied, fresh leaves can treat external inflammations, burns, and ulcers. An overdose resulting from intake of a large quantity of fresh foliage with high alkaloid content could lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation, headache or mydriasis (dilation of pupil of the eye).

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.