Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa bella-donna) is a highly poisonous herbaceous perennial with attractive berries. All parts are toxic, containing tropane alkaloids.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures (18-24°C) during the growing season; tolerates cooler temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly the berries and roots, due to the presence of tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure good drainage in the pot.
Pruning is generally not required for Atropa bella-donna unless it becomes overgrown or diseased. If pruning is necessary, do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain plant health and shape.
Propagation is typically done by seed. Seeds require stratification; sow them in autumn in a well-drained seed compost and leave outdoors to overwinter. Germination can be erratic.
Alternatively, sow seeds indoors in early spring after a period of cold stratification in the refrigerator for 1-2 months.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Atropa bella-donna, as it is often grown as an herbaceous perennial or biennial that dies back annually.
If a specimen becomes pot-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Handle with extreme caution due to its toxicity.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Deadly Nightshade (Atropa bella-donna)
Where Deadly Nightshade (Atropa bella-donna) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Species | Atropa bella-donna |
Similar in genus Atropa
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
