Atropa belladonna, commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade, is a toxic perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant (aubergine). It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
What nightshade plants are toxic?
Deadly nightshade, belladonna, Devil's cherries (Atropa belladonna) The original range of Atropa belladonna was from southern Europe to Asia but today is naturalized in many parts of the world. Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution. This extremely poisonous plant has a long and colorful history of use and abuse.
How can you tell if nightshades are poisonous?
Although the berries might be the most tempting part of Deadly nightshade, all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. It causes a range of symptoms including blurred vision, a rash, headaches, slurred speech, hallucinations, convulsions and eventually death.
Does deadly nightshade grow in UK?
Deadly nightshade is most common in central, southern and eastern England but is also found less commonly in other parts of the UK. It is a shrubby plant with purple bell-shaped flowers and shiny black berries.
What is the difference between black nightshade and deadly nightshade?
The easiest way to tell the difference, Deadly Nightshade has single berries while Blackberry Nightshade has clusters. The flowers are different too, Deadly Nightshade has single flowers that are a pink or purple colour, Blackberry Nightshade flowers are white and are in clusters.
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