Identify a berry bush - Ask Extension
Please identify and clarify if this berry is edible. Is this Nightshade?
Knowledgebase
Identify a berry bush #846792
Asked August 22, 2023, 11:58 AM EDT
Please identify and clarify if this berry is edible. Is this Nightshade?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Treva,
This is black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), and no, it's not edible and can be quite poisonous.
This is black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), and no, it's not edible and can be quite poisonous.
Hi again,
Please let me correct myself regarding black nightshade:
The leaves and the immature green berries of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals. They contain an alkaloid known as Solanine. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible death. Once the berries mature and turn black, the fruits are edible, in limited quantities.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solanum-nigrum/
Please consider proceeding with great caution.
Please let me correct myself regarding black nightshade:
The leaves and the immature green berries of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals. They contain an alkaloid known as Solanine. Symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and possible death. Once the berries mature and turn black, the fruits are edible, in limited quantities.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solanum-nigrum/
Please consider proceeding with great caution.
