How much sun does Black Nightshade need?

Black Nightshade grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Black Nightshade bloom?

Black Nightshade blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Is Black Nightshade toxic to dogs?

Yes. Black Nightshade is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Black Nightshade toxic to cats?

Yes. Black Nightshade is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Black Nightshade attract?

Black Nightshade draws bees, flies, and beetles.

Is Black Nightshade HOA-friendly?

Black Nightshade takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Black Nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solanum nigrum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Black Nightshade is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Native alternatives to Black Nightshade

Black Nightshade is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Black nightshade is a low-growing annual herb with small white flowers followed by dark berries. This weedy plant often appears in disturbed soils and garden beds without invitation. All parts of the plant are potentially toxic, making it unsuitable for most residential landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Nightshade takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Considered a weedy species
Toxic berries pose safety concerns
Unpredictable self-seeding habit

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees, flies, and beetles during the summer months. Birds may eat the berries, though the plant's toxic properties limit its overall wildlife value.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Nightshade need?: Black Nightshade grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Black Nightshade bloom?: Black Nightshade blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Is Black Nightshade toxic to dogs?: Yes. Black Nightshade is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Black Nightshade toxic to cats?: Yes. Black Nightshade is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Black Nightshade attract?: Black Nightshade draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is Black Nightshade HOA-friendly?: Black Nightshade takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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