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ID required - is this Deadly Nightshade?

kikinezikikinezi Posts: 3
in Plants
I recently moved in to a flat, and this plant is growing very prettily just outside the car park entrance at the rear of the block. 

One of my neighbours told me to be careful of it, especially the berries, as he thinks it is Deadly Nightshade.  Please could you help me confirm this, or otherwise?

As it is growing in public, right next to the pavement, could it pose a danger to anyone, and should it be removed?  Your help is much appreciated.


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  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,314
    By no means qualified to do more than guess @kikinezi but it does look like a solanum type plant. Pretty sure it's not Deadly Nightshade, might be Chilean potato tree?
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 1,991
    it certainly isn't deadly nightshade, the flowers are completely different, but it is an exotic relative.
  • EricaheatherEricaheather Posts: 204
    It's solanum Crispum glasnevin.
  • TheveggardenerTheveggardener Posts: 1,057
    edited July 2019
    Agree with herbaceous Solanum Crispum all parts are poisons. It comes in the purple and also white, I have the purple one.

    Forgot to add also know as Chilean potato tree/vine.
  • kikinezikikinezi Posts: 3
    Thank you all so much for identifying this plant.

    As it is poisonous, and it is getting berries now, any concerns about where it is growing - out in public, and not in someone's private back garden.

    It is very pretty, but I would hate for someone to be hurt by this.  Am I worrying unnecessarily - or is it safer to have this removed?
  • herbaceousherbaceous Posts: 2,314
    Who is likely to be at risk @kikinezi? Personally I think that expanse of concrete on a slope is way more hazardous. If you have concerns can you speak to the owner of the verge?
    "The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it."  Sir Terry Pratchett
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,984
    there are poisonous plants growing everywhere, 
    Of course it's 'safer' if they weren't there but life isn't safe. Compare to getting involved in a road accident. I don't have the figures for road accidents but I suspect that's a big number of victims, compared to most likely none for this plant


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,308
    Your neighbour is an ignorant scaremongering fool.

    Even if it is on a public walk way open to public.
    Why would anyone with any common sense eat it or allow their children to eat any?
    If they do and have not taught their children to ask before stealing or trying anything it is their look out.
    Same goes for any adult.

    I adore Darwin.
    We used to have a local radio gardener /celebrity who said it is quite simple really, if you do not know what it is don't eat it, and if it pertains to children, tell them if they eat it, they will die :D

    Enjoy looking at it kikinezi.

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,008
    That plant has obviously been set as an ornamental shrub ; in my opinion no-one has the right to remove it !
    Not as toxic as some members of the Solanaceae ; anyone foolish enough to passively pick and eat a random fruit would obviously have issues .


  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    I’m not even sure it is that toxic to humans....cats and dogs, yes.  But I think a human would have to eat the whole bush full of berries, leaves and roots and could well still survive. 
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