How To Identify Deadly Nightshade And Other Nightshade Plants

Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger shares how to remove deadly nightshade (belladonna) from your property. Plus, edible nightshade plants like tomatoes and potatoes that you may want to avoid eating and why.

by Peter Geiger Updated: February 19, 2025

What is Deadly Nightshade?

The most common form of deadly nightshade is belladonna (Atropa bella-donna), a toxic perennial plant with dark green oval-shaped leaves, shiny purple-black berries, and purple bell-shaped flowers. A medium-sized bushy plant, deadly nightshade grows to be approximately 3 to 4 feet tall.

Deadly nightshade (belladonna) plant with dark purple-black berries. — Belladonna, also known as “devil’s cherry,” is highly toxic and should be removed from your property. **Look for star-shaped leaves joining single berries to the stalk**, as shown here.

All parts of the belladonna are highly toxic to humans and pets. While birds and other wildlife seem to be immune to its effects, honey from bees produced from belladonna nectar may also be toxic for human consumption. This is why immediate removal is recommended.

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Odd facts: “Belladonna” is derived from the Italian words “beautiful woman.” During the Renaissance, it is believed that women used eye drops made with belladonna to dilate their pupils to enhance their beauty. The Romans were known to use belladonna in biological warfare by poisoning their enemies’ food source.

How To Identify And Remove Deadly Nightshade from Your Property

Differentiating between weeds in your yard can be tricky, but it is an imperative task in keeping your pets and children safe, particularly if you live in an area where nightshade grows freely. (A few states known for having deadly nightshade are New York, California, and Washington.) Look for single purple-black berries joined to the stem by green star-shaped leaves.

Avoid skin contact with deadly nightshade. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, boots, and goggles.

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Dig out belladonna from the roots, being sure to dig deep enough to get it all; the plants will regrow from any root left in the soil.
Dispose of the plant in the trash; do not compost nor attempt to burn it.
Disinfect any tools you used for removal. A chlorine bleach solution will kill any toxin residue (1 cup bleach per gallon of water).
Wash clothes separate from any other clothes, in hot water.

Consistent mowing and lawn maintenance can prevent future growth of belladonna. Chemical control should be used sparingly and as a last resort, being sure to protect other neighboring plants when using.

Other Forms of Deadly Nightshade

In addition to belladonna, there are various other forms of deadly nightshade, including bittersweet nightshade, black nightshade, and jimson weed. Learn more about these deadly nightshades via Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Are Vegetables Nightshade Plants?

Yes, some fruits and vegetables are in the nightshade family. Here are some common examples:

Tomatoes (all types, including tomatillos and tamarillos)
Potatoes (not sweet potatoes)
Eggplants
Peppers (including chili)
Cayenne pepper
Paprika
Pimientos
Okra
Ashwaganda
Tobacco
Pepino
Groundcherry
Huckleberries
Goji

Coffee and garlic are commonly mistaken for nightshades, but instead belong to other families that contain alkaloids.

Most people can eat nightshade vegetables without problems. However due to the trace amounts of alkaloids, solanine, some people have digestive problems or inflammation after eating them.

If you experience pain, bloating, brain fog, fatigue, nausea, and/or migraines after eating nightshade plants, consider avoiding them all together—especially if you are struggling with an inflammatory condition or autoimmune disorder.

Suggested Substitutions

Luckily there are many suitable substitutes and alternatives:

Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead.
Tomatoes: Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple are great alternatives to tomatoes in a salad. And for tomato sauce? Try pureed butternut squash.
Peppers: Replace peppers with cucumbers, radishes, and carrots for the same crunchy texture.
Eggplants: Zucchini and portobello mushrooms offer comparable texture and work well in many recipes.
Paprika and Cayenne Spices: Black or white pepper, ginger, horseradish, garlic, and mustard powder.

Nightshade’s Connection with Pollen Allergies

There appears to be a correlation between sensitivity to pollens, such as ragweed, and the alkaloids present in nightshades.

Ragweed pollen contains proteins that mimic the alkaloids in nightshades, such as eggplant, and the immune system may mistake the alkaloid in nightshades for the allergic pollen protein. Some people refrain from ingesting nightshades during ragweed season to improve symptoms.

Planting “Don’ts”

Generally speaking, we don’t recommend planting different nightshade plants near each other in your garden as they are susceptible to the same diseases. For example, tomatoes and potatoes are both susceptible to blight, which can pass from one plant to the next.

Nightshades are also “heavy feeders” requiring lots of nutrients from the soil. Dress nightshades with compost, a source of potassium, and rotate crops yearly to replenish your soil.

Uses of Nightshades in Medicine

Nightshade plants are rich in bioactive compounds and possess a varying degree of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and cardio-protective effects. They have been used to treat a variety of illnesses.

Research on nightshade plants is still emerging, and offers hope for future medicinal potential.