annualN. America Native

American Black Nightshade

Solanum americanum

The Story

Plant Bio

Solanum americanum, commonly known as American black nightshade, is an erect or spreading herbaceous annual to short-lived perennial native to the warmer regions of the Americas. The plant produces branching, spineless stems clothed in alternate, ovate to lanceolate green leaves that occasionally take on a purplish cast.

This species is distinguished from similar black nightshades by its small, star-shaped white flowers with prominent yellow anthers that give way to clusters of glossy, shiny black berries. The fruit calyx lobes are distinctly reflexed, and the berries point outward or upward rather than drooping downward.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces small, star-shaped white flowers followed by clusters of glossy, reflective black berries.

Acts as a fast-growing ground cover in disturbed, open waste areas where other plants struggle to establish.

Provides pollen for native bees and serves as a valuable food source for songbirds that eat the ripe fruit.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

59"

Width

35"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Annual to short-lived perennial

Native To

Americas, Melanesia, New Guinea, Australia

Toxicity

Highly toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds shallowly in a well-draining seed-starting mix during early spring.
Lightly scarify the seed coat prior to sowing to accelerate and even out germination.
Transplant seedlings into a sunny to partially shaded garden site once the danger of frost has passed.
Monitor the planting area regularly and pull volunteer seedlings to prevent unwanted self-seeding in adjacent beds.

Pro Tip

To distinguish this species from the closely related Solanum nigrum, examine the mature fruit; Solanum americanum bears highly reflective, shiny black berries on upright or outward-pointing pedicels, whereas Solanum nigrum produces dull black berries.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling or pulling plants to avoid contact with toxic sap.
Grow in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not ingest any part of the plant, especially the highly toxic green, unripe berries.
Do not plant in areas accessible to livestock, pets, or unsupervised children.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Native RestorationWildlife GardensNaturalized Areas

Companion Plants

Callicarpa americana Asclepias tuberosa Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Black Nightshade questions

What zones can American Black Nightshade grow in?

American Black Nightshade is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is American Black Nightshade deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse American Black Nightshade, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does American Black Nightshade bloom?

American Black Nightshade typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does American Black Nightshade need full sun?

American Black Nightshade does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is American Black Nightshade drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), American Black Nightshade handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.