Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna)

poisonous plants · nightshade family · Europe

Super Toxic Plant. Deadly nightshade contains powerful poisons called alkaloids that can cause serious harm or death if eaten. Even touching the plant and then rubbing your eyes can make you sick.

Shiny Black Berries. The plant produces glossy black berries that look delicious but are incredibly dangerous. Just a handful of these berries can be deadly to humans.

Beautiful Purple Flowers. Despite being so dangerous, deadly nightshade has pretty purple bell-shaped flowers that attract insects. The contrast between its lovely appearance and deadly poison makes it especially risky.

Native to Europe. This plant originally grew wild across Europe and Western Asia, from England all the way to Iran. It has also spread to parts of Canada, North Africa, and the United States.

Weird Plant Relative. Deadly nightshade is actually related to common foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. However, while those relatives are safe to eat, belladonna is definitely not.