natural herbs
American Nightshade
Solanum americanum
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:
AnnualHeight:
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 knownKnown 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.