Deadly Nightshade
NameDeadly Nightshade
Scientific NameAtropa belladonna
Common NamesDeadly Nightshade, Belladonna, Devil's Berries, Death's Herb
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatNative to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, typically found in woodlands, clearings, and disturbed ground, often on calcareous soils.
Parts Usedleaf,root
Medicinal Actionsanalgesic,sedative
Traditional UsesHistorically, Deadly Nightshade was used in extremely diluted forms as a sedative, antispasmodic, and pain reliever, particularly for conditions like asthma, whooping cough, and muscle spasms. It was also applied externally for pain and inflammation. Famously, extracts were used cosmetically to dilate pupils.
Active Constituentsatropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine
Preparation Methodstincture,salve
Contraindications & WarningsEXTREMELY TOXIC. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous and ingestion can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning include delirium, hallucinations, tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils, and urinary retention. Not for internal use by anyone without expert medical supervision. Interacts with numerous medications.
Cultivation NotesGrows best in partial shade to full sun, in well-drained, fertile, calcareous soil. Propagated by seed or root division. Due to its extreme toxicity, handle with gloves and ensure it is not accessible to children or pets.
Raritycommon
Description
A highly toxic herbaceous perennial plant characterized by large, ovate leaves and bell-shaped, dull purplish-brown flowers. It produces shiny black berries that are extremely poisonous.
