Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Also listed as Solanum judaicum, Solanum morella
Also known as European Black Nightshade, Common Nightshade, Garden Nightshade
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A branching herbaceous plant with small white or pale purple flowers followed by black berries. Often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Why grow it
Black nightshade is a prolific self-seeding annual that produces edible berries with minimal input, making it useful for permaculture systems seeking low-maintenance berry sources. Compared to cultivated Solanum species, it establishes quickly and tolerates poor soils and partial shade better than most fruiting crops. The plant's compact growth suits intercropping in vegetable beds or forest gardens where space is limited.
Watch out for
Only fully ripe, black berries from a known edible strain should be eaten, and only in moderation. Unripe green berries and the foliage contain solanine and should never be eaten. This plant is easily confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), a different and more dangerous species, so correct identification matters before any berry is picked for food. Self-seeding can be vigorous in warm climates, so manage volunteers if that is undesirable in your planting scheme.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Solanaceae
Native Range
Old World tropics
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A branching herbaceous plant with small white or pale purple flowers followed by black berries. Often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Nightshade grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black nightshade is a prolific self-seeding annual that produces edible berries with minimal input, making it useful for permaculture systems seeking low-maintenance berry sources. Compared to cultivated Solanum species, it establishes quickly and tolerates poor soils and partial shade better than most fruiting crops. The plant's compact growth suits intercropping in vegetable beds or forest gardens where space is limited.
Watch out for
Only fully ripe, black berries from a known edible strain should be eaten, and only in moderation. Unripe green berries and the foliage contain solanine and should never be eaten. This plant is easily confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), a different and more dangerous species, so correct identification matters before any berry is picked for food. Self-seeding can be vigorous in warm climates, so manage volunteers if that is undesirable in your planting scheme.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Solanaceae
Native Range
Old World tropics
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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