How to remove deadly nightshade – expert advice to safely eliminate this pretty but poisonous perennial from your yard

Deadly nightshade, or belladonna nightshade, is an extremely toxic plant with a murky history. All parts of are poisonous, including the roots, leaves and especially the glossy black berries, which contain a mixture of alkaloids that can impact the central nervous system.

While it is true that deadly nightshade can be safely admired from a distance, this is not a plant to take lightly. If you have recently moved into a new property, swift action is best. Left unchecked, it can spread and become difficult - and dangerous - to manage.

So, if you have discovered this toxic plant growing at the rear of your yard, learning how to remove deadly nightshade safely and effectively is important. Here, one garden expert advises how best to remove these poisonous perennials before they become a real danger.

How to identify deadly nightshade

'Deadly nightshade, or Atropa belladonna, are tall bushy perennials that can grow in regions from US hardiness zone 5 plus, typically found growing in scrubland or wooded areas,' says Michael Clarke, landscape design expert and founder of Yardwork.

'They can reach three or four feet in height, producing dark green oval leaves on upright stems,' Michael adds. 'However, it is the flowers and berries that are most discernible. The blooms tend to have a dull purple color, with a bell-like form, whereas the berries - which develop between August and September - are black and shiny.' Often referred to as the 'devil's cherries', these poisonous fruits should be handled with care.

How to remove deadly nightshade

While deadly nightshade is not often considered an invasive perennial, it can spread quickly in the right situations. 'This non-native weed is found growing throughout several states, including east and west coast, from New York to California and Oregon,' Michael adds.

'As a perennial, it dies back usually after the first frost, and then will resprout the following spring. The birds can eat the berries - which contain seeds - without any adverse side effects. This means they spread this toxic plant far and wide.

'So, to get rid of this weed, it's best to yank it out by the roots, making sure to remove as much as you can,' Michael says. 'For bigger, established plants, cut the stems down to the base first - which will make the digging part easier.'

To protect your hands and arms, use something like these long gardening gloves, available from Amazon, which will keep any sap from touching your skin. You should also wash your clothes immediately after you finish weeding, washing them separately from other clothing.

'While natural (organic) methods require dedication and persistence, lifting any shoots and roots on a regular basis will eventually lead to the plant's demise. In addition, do not put any clippings in your compost bin, but instead dispose of them in your green waste collection.'

If you have a large number of deadly nightshade plants, possibly growing throughout an entire border, you can try using cardboard for weed control. Place a heavy-duty biodegradable weed fabric, available from Amazon, and cover your borders. Then, heavy mulching (two or more inches) will help to block sunlight, and in doing starve deadly nightshade plants.

Whatever approach you opt to follow, regularly inspect your borders throughout the growing season for any signs of germination. Early action is helpful when learning how to remove deadly nightshade. To note, the young seedlings will have oval leaves that are pointed at the end in a pale green shade - simply pull them by hand and dispose of them in your green waste collection.

Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is the founder of Yardwork and Pulled, the online platforms for everything home and garden. He has a degree in landscape architecture and horticulture from the University of California Davis. He was previously the founder of a landscape development and maintenance company, where he provided complete landscape services to homeowners and commercial property owners.

FAQs

Can herbicides kill deadly nightshade?

Yes, herbicides from garden stores and nurseries can be used to kill deadly nightshade, but using chemicals in your yard should only ever be a last resort. If you are concerned about deadly nightshade and want quick and instant results, it is best to seek help from a gardening professional who will be able to advise.

The nightshade family, or Solanaceae, is a large plant group, including many non-poisonous species, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers. Why not try learning how to grow eggplant this summer, and enjoy delicate purple flowers that go on to produce delicious fruits, all without any toxic foliage or berries.

For more information on problem plants, see our guide on how to control Bradford pear trees, to keep this invasive species out of your yard.