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Blackberry Nightshade - Solanum nigrum
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| Blackberry Nightshade | Solanum nigrum |
What is it?
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Sometimes locally confused with ‘deadly nightshade’
which is in fact a different weed species.
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What does it look like?
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Growth:
Bushy
or herbaceous plant growing up to 1.25 m tall.
Flowers/Seedhead: Present
throughout year. White, small, star-shaped flowers (often tinged with purple)
and borne in small clusters in the leaf forks.
Fruit: The fruits are green, turning
shiny black, toxic especially when immature.
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When does it grow?
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Annual or short-lived perennial: Blackberry nightshade
emerges in autumn and winter and can last through summer to the following
season and live as a perennial plant.
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Where does it grow?
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Found in
all horticultural districts.
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Why is it a problem?
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Competes vigorously
for space and nutrients. Known to be host to numerous nematodes, fungi and
viruses that are indirectly a threat to grapevines. Green fruit and leaves
may at times contain toxic alkaloids which can contaminate grape harvest.
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How does it spread?
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Spread by seeds which
are most often spread by birds and other animals that eat the fruit.
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How is it controlled?
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Biological control: No known biological control. Grazing
is not recommended as fruit can be toxic to stock.
Physical Control: Cultivation
and undervine mowing can be used to prevent seed production for several years but note blackberry nightshade has
a tough woody stem and is best removed whole including the roots. When hand pulling remove from the vineyard
if in flower.
Conventional Control: Blackberry nightshade is
susceptible to herbicide control by has a waxy leaf and a thick stem that
prevents herbicide uptake. Herbicide performance is increased with the use of
a penetrant adjuvant.
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How do I find out more?
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