DEADLY NIGHTSHADE
Deadly nightshade, black cherry
Atropa belladonna—SOLANACEAE
Description: A perennial bushy herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems with dark green pointed leaves, lavender-to-purple, bell-shaped flowers, and black cherry-like fruits. (Not related to cherry trees.)
Plants rarely grown in gardens, usually weeds found in scattered areas. Children are especially attracted to the fruits.
Poisonous Parts: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, etc.) similar to those of the jimsonweed ([see page 12]). Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poison can be absorbed by handling leaves, as well as by eating fruits. Severely poisonous!
Antidote: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit immediately if eaten. Exposed skin should be washed with soapy water. Physicians treat for atropine poisoning.
NOTE: Other nightshades causing poisoning include the blue and black nightshades which are also known as bittersweets (Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum respectively). ([See page 3].)
FOXGLOVE
