Solanum nigrum, Black Nightshade

Common Name: Black Nightshade

Solanum nigrum, more commonly known as Black Nightshade, is a weakly hairy annual growing plant to 60cm tall, with a round, smooth stem. Leaves oval to triangular, toothed and stalked. Inflorescences in the axils of the upper leaves, containing 4-10 flowers on a stalk, each 1.5 - 2.5cm long

The calyx has oval, short teeth and pointed lobes; the corolla white, with deeply 5-lobed margin, 6-10mm across. The berry is green at first but dull black when ripe, hence its common name. The flowering season is June to October and usual habitats include waste ground, fields and gardens. Found throughout lowland England and Wales, most common in the south and east.

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