Nightshades

Common: American Black Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Eastern Black Nightshade, Hairy Nightshade

Scientific: Solanum americanum, Solanum nigrum, Solanum ptycanthum, Solanum saccachoides

Affected Crops: Corn, cotton, fruits, trees, vegetables, soybeans.

Identification:

        American Black Nightshade -  Hairy leaves lack a reddish-purple beneath. Bares fruit with white flecks. Detaches at receptacle. Black fruits are present when mature.

        Black Nightshade -  Cotyledons are small and green on both sides, with short hairs on margins. Plant can grow 6-24 inches tall. Leaves are ovate, smooth to wavy-edged and tapered to the tip. Berries are dark purple or dark green at maturity and are almost completely exposed due to the small size of the calyx.

        Eastern Black Nightshade - Cotyledons are small and green on both sides, with short hairs on margins. Young leaves have a reddish-purple underneath. Dark fruits are present when mature.

        Hairy Nightshade -  Seedlings resemble the standard nightshade characteristics, however this type is distinguished by the spreading of hairy foliage which may feel sticky when handled. The greenish/yellowish fruits are halfway cupped by the calyx.

Geographical Distribution: Eastern Black Nightshade is found primarily in the East. American Black Nightshade is found mostly in the South. Black Nightshade is commonly found west of Rocky Mountains. Hairy Nightshade is most commonly located throughout North America, especially on irrigated lands.

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