Nightshade
Solanum spp · Solanaceae
How it looks
Nightshade is a herb in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with purple or white flowers whose five star-shaped petals are reflexed backward around a cluster of yellow anthers at the center. In autumn it bears round red or black fruits in clusters. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, and it grows 24 in-5 ft (60 cm-1.5 m) tall.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Nightshade (especially the fruit) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Nightshade rarely leads to serious trouble, but its solanine can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Solanum spp
- Common name
- Nightshade
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the fruit)
- Compounds
- Solanine
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Solanaceae
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