.jpg&width=800)
American black nightshade
ExplorePlants
American black nightshade
Solanum americanum
The American black nightshade is a small plant with shiny green leaves and tiny white flowers. It produces small black berries that can be found in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The American black nightshade has oval leaves, often with wavy edges, and produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with bright yellow centers. Its most distinguishing feature is the small, round berries that transition from green to shiny black when ripe, resembling tiny pearls.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSolanalesFamilySolanaceaeGenusSolanum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Each tiny flower has five white petals that are usually bent backward!
Its ripe berries look like tiny black pearls, but only some are safe to eat!
Some people call it 'deadly nightshade,' but that's a different, much more toxic plant!
This plant is a relative of potatoes, tomatoes, and even chili peppers!
Special abilities
Ability
Seed Dispersal Master
American black nightshade can produce many small berries that birds enjoy, helping to spread its seeds far and wide to new locations.
Ability
Chemical Defender
American black nightshade contains compounds called alkaloids, which can deter hungry herbivores from eating its leaves and unripe berries.
Ability
Rapid Colonizer
American black nightshade has a rapid growth rate and produces many seeds, allowing it to quickly colonize disturbed or open areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to Fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Eats ripe berries, aiding seed dispersal.
pollinates
European Honeybee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar, transferring pollen.
eaten by
Colorado Potato Beetle
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Larvae sometimes feed on its leaves.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
American Nightshade
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not eat any berries or plants unless an adult says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American black nightshade?
30-90 cm
How wide does American black nightshade spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on American black nightshade?
0.5-1 cm
When does American black nightshade bloom?
Summer to Fall
Is American black nightshade edible?
No
Is American black nightshade toxic?
Moderate
What is American black nightshade's lifecycle?
Annual
How is American black nightshade pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
