Solanum americanum
(American Black Nightshade)
Common Names, Latin Name and Family
Some of its common names include American nightshade, small-flowered nightshade, glossy nightshade, common nightshade, and ink-berry
Its Latin name is Solanum americanum.
It is in the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family along with common garden plants such as pepper, potato, and eggplant.
Form
American black nightshade (Solanum americanum) is an annual, or short-lived perennial, wildflower that grows to a height of 3 feet and just about as wide.
The main stems may become woody at maturity. Also it may need to be staked so branches won’t be broken off from birds landing on the stalks.
In central Florida we have two species of nightshade.
The two native night shades in central Florida with small white flowers, and purple fruit, are American black nightshade (Solanum americanum) and black nightshade (Solanum chenopodioides).
The key differences in the two plants is Solanum americanum has erect, shiny, fruit and Solanum chenopodioides has drooping, dull, fruit.
Leaves
Its leaves are stalked, alternate, entire and occasionally toothed.
The leaf shape is generally triangular-ovate.
American black nightshade lacks spines or prickles.
Flowers
Small white flowers appear throughout most of the year.
The flowers are star shaped with bright yellow stamens that protrude past the petals.
Fruit
Small, globe shaped, fruit develop soon after the flowers have been pollinated.
They are green when unripe and turn to a purple-black at maturity. When green they resemble tiny tomatoes.
They are anywhere from 3 to 8 millimeters in size and glossy.
Habitat
It occurs naturally in open woods, hammocks, and disturbed sites.
It is a frequent wildflower where birds roost and leave their droppings so check those areas for seedlingg volunteers.
Native Range
It is found in just about every county in Florida.
American black nightshade is native to the following states: AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NM, NV, OR, TX, and WA.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it can be grown in full sun to part shade with average soil moisture.
It can also be grown in containers very easily.
Wildlife Use
American black nightshade is a great wildlife plant because pollinators love the flowers, songbirds love the ripe fruit, and it is drop dead easy to grow.
Human Use
The ripe fruit can be eaten as well, but a positive ID is always needed before you eat wild edibles.
BE CAUTIOUS with trying any wild edibles. Make sure of correct identification and try a taste or bite and wait to see how you react.
Propagation
Propagation is achieved through transplanting small plants or starting from seed.
Generally trying to transplant larger specimens fail so it’s best to find small plants. Remove flowers and fruit and keep it well watered until new growth starts to appear.
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