Cornell Botanic Gardens

Common name: belladonna, deadly nightshade (English)

Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade)

Distribution: Eurasia, northern Africa

Hardiness: Zone 7 (0 to 10 F)

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Usage: Medicinal/pharmaceutical

Medicinal Herbs: Medicinal Herbs

Description: Perennial, 2' to 3' in height, from a thick rhizome. Young growth pubescent, sap red; leaves alternate or opposite, petioled, ovate-elliptic, to 6" long, acute; flowers solitary or in pairs, nodding, corolla about 1" long, dull purple-brown; berry black, glossy, nearly globose, about 1/2" in diameter.

Comments: Known since ancient times as a poison and for its role in anesthesia during surgery. Atropine, found in the leaves and roots is prescribed for treating asthma, whooping cough, Parkinson’s Disease and is an antidote to nerve gas and pesticide poisoning. Caution: Highly toxic!