Black nightshade in the garden

How and where does black nightshade grow?

The black nightshade grows almost everywhere, but preferably on nitrogenous ones Clay soil. You can find it at the edges of fields and roads, on walls and on rubble sites. He also likes to settle in the garden. Since it reproduces quickly and abundantly there, it is considered a weed. The annual herbaceous plants are usually up to 70 centimeters high, in good conditions up to one meter.

Is the black nightshade poisonous?

The black nightshade contains tannins and alkaloids, including solanine, which is also found in potatoes and unripe tomatoes. The concentration of the ingredients fluctuates very strongly, but some parts of the plant are as poisonous to be classified as very toxic, especially the herb, the leaves and the kernels.

Unripe berries of the black nightshade are also considered poisonous, while ripe ones (without seeds!) Are sometimes considered to be

edible. Nevertheless, we strongly advise against consumption, as poisoning can be fatal. The amount responsible for this varies greatly and cannot be reliably classified.

How do I remove black nightshade?

As a rule, the black nightshade is removed mechanically, i.e. by tearing it out or mowing it down. Both methods are successful. However, it is important that you remove it before it bears fruit and it falls to the ground, ideally even before the blossom. Otherwise new plants will grow there in the next year.

A Combat of the black nightshade with the help of chemicals does not make sense. Since it is related to potatoes and tomatoes, such agents would also harm these plants. That shouldn't be in your interest.

The essentials in brief:

• toxic to humans and animals
• not suitable for family gardens
• annual plant
• herbaceous growth
• mostly up to 70 cm tall
• Seeds germinable for a long time
• Removal before flowering is recommended