Written by: Ellen Bell, Colorado Master Gardener, Class of 2019

If you have ever grown petunias or eaten tomatoes, potatoes (genus Solanum) or peppers (genus Capsicum) you have come in contact with the Nightshade Family. Goji Berries (genus Lycium) are also among the respectable members of this family.

There are somewhere around 85 genera and 2300 species in this family worldwide. They are characterized by alternate leaves, five flower parts with united petals and a two chambered ovary. They contain different and specific alkaloids that have varying effects on humans, some not so desirable and even fatal. One of the more familiar is tobacco (genus Nicotiana) with it’s addictive narcotic alkaloids.

Jimsonweed (genus Datura), was found by settlers arriving on Jamestown Island in Virginia in 1607. They called it Jamestown weed and quickly discovered it’s devastating properties. All parts of the plant contain propane alkaloids which can cause hallucinations, seizures and death. The seeds from the pods contain a highly concentrated amount. Datura is quite common in Arizona. I used to find it blooming along edges of hiking trails and in the cotton fields. Its large white and purple trumpet shaped flowers make it fairly easy to recognize and to avoid.

Belladonna (genus Atropa) and henbane (genus Hyoscyamus) are two other “bad boy” family members. These narcotic nightshades are highly poisonous with toxicity varying from plant to plant. Belladonna is a herbaceous perennial found across Europe, Asia and North America. It produces a dark colored berries in the fall and even today there are cases of poisoning from these berries. Symptoms include an unquenchable thirst, dilation of pupils, delirium, convulsions and coma.

In conclusion, even though the relatives might be safe and agreeable, always be aware of the potential of plants you are not familiar with. Just brushing against some of these can cause skin irritation.