Deadly Nightshade (Solanum interius): What Gardeners Need to Know
If you’ve stumbled across the name deadly nightshade in relation to Solanum interius, you might be feeling a bit confused – and rightfully so! There’s actually some mix-up happening here that’s worth clearing up before we dive into this particular plant’s story.
Setting the Record Straight on Names
First things first: when most people hear deadly nightshade, they’re thinking of Atropa belladonna, the famously toxic European plant. However, the plant we’re discussing today – Solanum interius – is more commonly known as plains black nightshade or interior nightshade. While it belongs to the same nightshade family, it’s a completely different species with its own unique characteristics.
Where You’ll Find This Plains Wanderer
Solanum interius is native to the lower 48 United States, where it naturally occurs across a impressive swath of the country. You can find this hardy annual growing wild in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Interestingly, it has also established itself in Saskatchewan, Canada, where it’s considered a non-native species that reproduces on its own in the wild.
What Does It Look Like?
Solanum interius is classified as a forb – essentially a non-woody plant that can be annual, biennial, or perennial. In this case, we’re dealing with an annual that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Like other forbs, it lacks significant woody tissue and has its growing buds positioned at or below ground level, helping it survive harsh conditions.
Should You Grow It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting for gardeners. While Solanum interius isn’t invasive or noxious (as far as current records show), it’s also not particularly well-documented as a garden-worthy plant. Since it’s non-native to Canada and information about its ornamental value, wildlife benefits, and growing requirements is limited, most gardeners might want to consider alternatives.
Better Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the nightshade family or looking for native forbs for your region, consider these alternatives:
- Local native Solanum species that are indigenous to your specific area
- Other native forbs that provide proven wildlife benefits
- Regional wildflowers that support local pollinators and ecosystems
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
While Solanum interius isn’t a bad plant per se, it’s not particularly well-suited for most home gardens. The lack of information about its ornamental qualities, growing conditions, and wildlife benefits suggests it’s more of a wild plant that does its own thing in natural settings rather than a garden star.
If you’re passionate about native gardening, focus on plants that are truly native to your specific region and have documented benefits for local wildlife. Your garden – and local ecosystem – will thank you for choosing plants with proven track records for supporting biodiversity and thriving in cultivation.
Remember, the best garden plants are those that not only grow well in your conditions but also contribute meaningfully to the local environment. When in doubt, consult with your local native plant society or extension office for recommendations tailored to your specific area!
