black nightshade
Also known as: common nightshade; garden nightshade; gurkamei; houndberry; kangani; kanper makoo; mako; mokoi; morelle; poisonberry; wonderberry; petty morel
A fast-growing annual or biennial with variable habit, often found in woodland or areas of disturbed soil. Leaves are broadly ovate, sometimes with wavy edges. Flowers are small, white and star-shaped, with five petals and prominent yellow anthers, and followed by clusters of round dark green berries that are matt black when ripe
Scientific classification
- Species
- black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
- Genus
- Solanum
- Family
- Solanaceae
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- Toxicity
- Annual Biennial
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
black nightshade pictures
Distribution of black nightshade
Distribution map
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of black nightshade
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black nightshade care guide
- Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth
Pruning
PruningRemove before flowering to prevent spread
Propagation
PropagationPropagates by seed. Seeds remain viable in the soil for some years; cultivating soil may increase seed germination, but enables seedlings to be removed when small
Growing
GrowingMost successful in moist, warm, fertile conditions, less so in dry soil or heavy shade. May overwinter in milder areas. Generally considered a weed for its ability to outcompete neighbouring plants, and for its role in hosting plant pests and diseases
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses
Pests
Generally disease-free, but may provide an alternate host for a range of nematodes that may be harmful to other plants, as well as for thrips
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