Deadly nightshade (belladonna) Atropa belladonna
Deadly nightshade (belladonna) (Atropa belladonna) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia (woodland edges on chalk and limestone). It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
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Deadly nightshade (belladonna) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia (woodland edges on chalk and limestone) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇹🇷 Turkey |
Is Deadly nightshade (belladonna) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, berries, roots, leaves
One of the most poisonous plants of Europe: atropine and scopolamine. A few of the sweet, shiny black berries can kill a child. Never plant where children or pets play; wear gloves.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Deadly nightshade (belladonna)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Deadly nightshade (belladonna)
- How far apart should I plant Deadly nightshade (belladonna)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Deadly nightshade (belladonna) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Deadly nightshade (belladonna) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Deadly nightshade (belladonna)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Deadly nightshade (belladonna) flower?
- From about June for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Deadly nightshade (belladonna) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. One of the most poisonous plants of Europe: atropine and scopolamine. A few of the sweet, shiny black berries can kill a child. Never plant where children or pets play; wear gloves.
- What grows well with Deadly nightshade (belladonna)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Deadly nightshade (belladonna). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Dull purple bells and glossy black berries set in a green star. Grown only in physic and poison gardens (as at Alnwick, behind locked gates) as the historic source of atropine; "bella donna" for the pupil-widening drops once used by Italian women.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica