Solanum emulans
eastern black nightshade
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Solanum emulans is an annual herb in the nightshade family, reaching 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall with a branching, sometimes sprawling habit. Stems are green to purple-tinged, smooth to sparsely hairy, bearing ovate to triangular leaves 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) long with wavy or shallowly toothed margins. Small white flowers, 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) across, have five reflexed petals around a central cone of yellow anthers; they hang in drooping clusters of three to eight from the leaf axils. Flowers are followed by round berries 0.2-0.3 inch (6-8 mm) in diameter that ripen from green to dull black. The species occupies disturbed ground, field edges, gardens, and open woodland across eastern and central North America. All green parts and unripe berries contain solanine and related glycoalkaloids that are toxic to humans and livestock if eaten. As a fast-growing annual it completes its life cycle in one season and reseeds readily, often appearing as a weed in cultivated soil. Its shallow roots and soft tissues make it short-lived and frost-sensitive, dying back completely at the first hard freeze.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from southern Canada south through much of the United States. It grows in disturbed habitats, woodland clearings, floodplains, and cultivated ground.Suggested Uses
Solanum emulans most often appears as a volunteer in gardens, field margins, and disturbed sites rather than being planted deliberately. Its ripe berries are eaten by songbirds and small mammals, which disperse the seeds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Solanum emulans grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, favoring moist, fertile, disturbed ground. It needs little supplemental water once established and reseeds without intervention. As a weedy annual it seldom requires cultivation and can spread quickly in gardens. Plants germinate in spring, mature through summer, and die at the first frost. Removing seed heads before they ripen reduces self-sowing.Pruning
No formal pruning is required for this annual. Plants can be pulled or cut at the base to limit spread in cultivated areas. Cutting fruiting stems before berries mature prevents reseeding.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to pets and humansPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Spring, after the last frost
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches