Solanaceae

Solanum nigrum

Common Names: Black berry nightshade.

Plant Form: Erect or spreading annual herb or shrub. Size: Up to 1.3 m tall. Stem: Rough green or purplish green, occasionally hairy. Leaves: Alternately arranged 2-13 cm long on stalks, oval or lance shaped tapering to a pointed tip, with variable edges which are whole, toothed or lobed. Sparsely hairy on both sides. Flowers: Small star shaped white or purplish tinted with yellow cylindrical centre, typical Solanum flowers. Fruit and Seeds: Clusters of globular berries, turning from green to black with maturity. Containing numerous small seeds. On short stalks pointing downwards. Habitat: Pastures, cropping areas, gardens, roadsides, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to American nightshade (Solanum americanum), and can hybridise with it, but generally duller berries which are on downward stalks. Impacts: Toxic to livestock and humans, outcompetes crop plants and native species.