Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Last reviewed: June 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
Native to
CT
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- Where is Black Nightshade native?
- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is native to CT, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Black Nightshade and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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