Eastern Black Nightshade

Eastern Black Nightshade is a native annual weed closely related to and often confused with the introduced Black Nightshade. It grows in disturbed open habitats, gardens, croplands, and roadsides across eastern North America. Its small white star-shaped flowers and clusters of black berries when ripe are characteristic. Unlike some of its relatives, it was used as a food plant by some Indigenous peoples after cooking, though all unripe parts are toxic. Its fruits are readily consumed by robins, mockingbirds, and other frugivores.