Species guide
Deadly nightshade
DeadlyAtropa belladonna
What does Deadly nightshade look like?
A bushy perennial with dull green oval leaves, solitary bell-shaped purple-brown flowers, and shiny black, cherry-sized berries.
Is Deadly nightshade dangerous?
One of the most toxic plants in the Northern Hemisphere — all parts, especially the deceptively sweet berries, can be fatal if eaten. The berries are a serious danger to children.
Commonly confused with
- Bittersweet nightshade — red (not black) egg-shaped berries, purple star flowers
What should I do about Deadly nightshade?
Never eat any wild berry you can't expertly identify, keep children well away, and wear gloves to remove it. Seek emergency care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Never decide what's safe to eat or touch from a photo or a web page. Identification here is for learning and curiosity only. For anything you might eat, handle or that could harm you or a pet, consult a qualified local expert — and seek medical or veterinary care if exposure has happened.
Recorded 58,855 times in the wild worldwide.
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