Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
Black Nightshade is an herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae family containing solanine alkaloids that are harmful if ingested. It is widely considered a weed and is not typically cultivated as an indoor houseplant.
Black NightshadeEuropean Black NightshadeSolanum nigrum
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous annual
- Care
- Low (often considered a weed)
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, tremors or cardiac arrhythmias.
Escalation note
Ingestion of any part of the plant can be dangerous due to solanine content. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, and potential neurological signs like incoordination.
Escalation note
The plant contains toxic alkaloids that affect the nervous and digestive systems. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Black Nightshade is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of solanine.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Solanum nigrum is an annual herb that is considered toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Questions about Black Nightshade
Is Black Nightshade toxic to cats?
Yes, Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is toxic to cats. It contains solanine alkaloids that can cause serious harm if any part of the plant is ingested, and it is classified as potentially toxic with high confidence.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating Black Nightshade?
Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dilated pupils. In severe cases, cats may develop tremors or cardiac arrhythmias. Severity tracks dose, with green berries being the worst offender.
What should I do if my cat ate Black Nightshade?
Remove any remaining plant material from your cat and clear leaves or berries from their mouth if you can do so safely. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear, and do not induce vomiting unless directed by poison control or your vet.
Which part of Black Nightshade is most dangerous to cats?
All parts of the plant are dangerous due to their solanine content, but the green (unripe) berries are the worst offender. Ingestion of any part warrants an immediate call to your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Black Nightshade toxic to dogs?
Yes, Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is toxic to dogs. It contains solanine alkaloids that affect both the nervous and digestive systems, and ingestion warrants prompt veterinary attention.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating Black Nightshade?
GI signs typically come first: hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Larger ingestions can progress to agitation, drowsiness, tremors, incoordination, dilated pupils, weakness, and potentially slow heart rate or cardiovascular depression — severity scales with how much was eaten.
What should I do if my dog ate Black Nightshade or its berries?
Remove the plant and clear any remaining berries or leaves from your dog's mouth, then call Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not induce vomiting at home unless poison control or your vet specifically instructs you to.
How quickly does Black Nightshade poisoning show up in dogs?
Onset and duration are not well documented for dogs specifically. Because timing is uncertain, treat any suspected exposure as time-sensitive — call your vet or a poison hotline immediately rather than waiting to see whether symptoms develop.
Often compared with
Commonly confused with
Same Solanum genus.
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
The tomato plant is a popular garden vegetable that contains solanine, a glycoalkaloid found in its stems and leaves. While the fruit is generally consumed by humans, the green parts of the plant can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same Solanum genus.
Nightshade
Solanum spp
Solanum species contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal and neurological distress if ingested. These plants are widely considered hazardous to household pets and should be kept out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Buckwheat
Fagopyrum spp.
Buckwheat is an herbaceous plant often grown for its grain-like seeds, but it contains compounds that can cause photosensitivity in animals if ingested in large quantities. It is generally considered a concern for pets if consumed in significant amounts.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
China Aster
Callistephus chinensis
China Aster is a popular annual flowering plant known for its daisy-like blooms and vibrant colors. It is considered non-toxic to household pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Geranium
Pelargonium species
Geraniums are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and fragrant foliage. While they are common garden and container plants, they contain essential oils that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus acris is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bright yellow flowers and presence in meadows. It contains compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Orange Day Lily
Hemerocallis graminea
The Orange Day Lily is a perennial flowering plant known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. While popular in gardens, it is highly dangerous to cats if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.