Herb: American Nightshade


Latin name: Solanum americanum


Synonyms: Solanum caribaeum, Solanum nodiflorum


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Edible parts of American Nightshade:

Young leaves - cooked. The leaves contain about 6990mg of beta carotene per 100g. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Fruit - cooked. It should be used only when fully ripe. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Rocky or dry open woods, thickets, shores or openings, often on cultivated or waste ground.

Propagation of American Nightshade:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rocky or dry open woods, thickets, shores or openings, often on cultivated or waste ground.

Medicinal use of American Nightshade:

None known

Known hazards of Solanum americanum:

Although no specific mention of the leaves being toxic has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many if not all the members have poisonous leaves. The immature fruit is poisonous.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.