Black Nightshade

Solanum nigrum

Also known as: black nightshade

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Solanum
Species:
Solanum nigrum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Alabama, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Washington, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Eggplant Webworm Moth (Rhectocraspeda periusalis), South American tomato pinworm (Symmetrischema tangolias), striped symmetrischema moth (Symmetrischema striatella), Subflexus straw moth (Heliothis subflexa), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), tomato pinworm (Keiferia lycopersicella)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates moderate drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Thrives in disturbed soils and waste areas