Black Nightshade

Scientific Name: Solanum americanum

Other Names: Apple of Sodom, Glossy Nightshade, Popolo

Leaf Type: Broadleaf

Flowers: Small, star-shaped flowers that are usually white or light purple in color. Flowers are typcially 1/2 inch in diameter and have five petals. They grow in clusters along the stem followed by berries that are black or dark purple in color.

Leaves: Small (1-2 inches) and oval or elliptical in shape, with smooth or slightly wavy edges. Color will be dark green with slightly hairy texture. Will grow alternately along the stem.

Life Cycle: Annual & Perennial

DESCRIPTION

Black Nightshade is the common name often used to describe both American nightshade and European nightshade. Solanum americanum (American nightshade) is more common than Solanum nigrum (Eruopean) in the United States. It produces small, purple or black berries that are similar in appearance to blueberries, but are not edible. The plant itself is not very large, usually only growing 2-3 feet tall, with leaves that are green and slightly hairy. Despite its name, it is not related to the poisonous nightshade plant. Some cultures believe that the plant has medicinal properties, but it is important to note that it can be toxic.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Look for small plant with clusters of small, star-shaped white or light purple flowers followed by small black or dark purple berries. The plant will have small oval or elliptical leaves that are green in color and slightly hair.

Mechanical Control Recommendations

Hand pulling

For small infestations, you can manually pull out the plants, including the roots, making sure to remove as much of the plant as possible.

Mowing

If the Black Nightshade is in a grassy area, regular mowing can help control its growth. However, be aware that this may not completely eliminate the plants, and it can stimulate regrowth.

Mulching

Applying a thick layer of organic mulch can help suppress the growth of Black Nightshade by blocking sunlight and preventing seed germination.

Cultivation

Frequent cultivation of the soil can disturb the plant's growth and disrupt its development.

Cover Crops

Planting competitive cover crops can help smother and outcompete Black Nightshade.

Solarization

Using clear plastic sheeting to cover the infested area and trap heat can help weaken and kill the plants.

Mechanical Barriers

In agricultural settings, you can use physical barriers like weed mats or geotextiles to prevent Black Nightshade from establishing itself.

Post-emergent herbicides:

Glyphosate: Glyphosate is a post-emergent herbicide 2,4-D: 2,4-D is a selective post-emergent herbicide Dicamba: Dicamba is another post-emergent herbicide Carfentrazone: This herbicide is another post-emergent herbicide Selective Herbicide Blends: Some commercial herbicide blends are designed to target a range of broadleaf weeds. These blends might include combinations of herbicides like 2,4-D, dicamba, and others to provide broader control.

Selective herbicides:

riclopyr: Triclopyr is another selective herbicide Metsulfuron-methyl: This herbicide is used for selective control of broadleaf weeds Clopyralid: Clopyralid is often used to control broadleaf weeds Fluroxypyr: Fluroxypyr is a selective herbicide effective against many broadleaf weeds

Non-Selective herbicides:

Glyphosate: Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most common non-selective options Glufosinate: Glufosinate-based herbicides are another non-selective option Diquat: Diquat is a contact herbicide that causes rapid desiccation of plant tissues Paraquat: Paraquat is a fast-acting herbicide that also causes desiccation of plant tissues Pelargonic Acid: Pelargonic acid-based herbicides are contact herbicides derived from natural fatty acids

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