Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 4E1D — Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrumSolanum nigrum
IOverview
Overview
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is an annual subshrub or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and other regions, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for its edible parts—fruit, leaves, and shoots—it can be found growing in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5. Solanum nigrum is characterized by its light energy requirement and preference for dry to moist conditions, making it resilient in diverse environments. Its distinctive feature includes small, purple-black berries that are both edible and potentially toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Quick answers
What is Solanum nigrum?
Solanum nigrum, commonly known as black nightshade, is an annual subshrub or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and other regions, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability.
What is Solanum nigrum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Solanum nigrum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Solanum nigrum appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Solanum nigrum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Solanum nigrum thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5 and prefers a dry to moist environment. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 9-11) and grows as an annual subshrub or herb up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil has warmed. Provide ample light but avoid overwatering; too much moisture can lead to root rot. Harvest edible parts such as fruit, leaves, and shoots for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Solanum nigrum for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and adaptable approach to growing Solanum nigrum, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, containers or garden space, potting soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 7-7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost, or start indoors 4 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent sunburn. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants to encourage bushiness and remove any dead or diseased parts as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune, not providing enough light, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesShoots
Edible uses: The black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is edible and can be consumed in various forms. Its leaves, shoots, and fruits are all usable parts of the plant. The fruits are typically eaten raw or cooked, while the leaves and shoots are best when prepared by cooking to ensure safety. SKIP
Other uses:Soil reclamation
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe11 regions
native (11)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFrancePortugalRussiaSpain
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndia
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaChadDjibouti
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Andaman Is., Baltic States, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4e1ddcbb-9d9f-47eb-8fcb-3377251eb55c
Decision aid
Choosing between Solanum nigrum and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.