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Annual Biennial

Solanum nigrum

black nightshade

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

Other common names

common nightshade
garden nightshade
see moregurkamei
houndberry
kangani
kanper makoo
mako
mokoi
morelle
poisonberry
wonderberry
petty morel

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

1 year

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Solanaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Most 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

Propagation

Propagates 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Pruning

Remove before flowering to prevent spread

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may provide an alternate host for a range of nematodes that may be harmful to other plants, as well as for thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses

Get involved

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