deadly nightshade

views updated Jun 11 2018

deadly nightshade Poisonous perennial plant native to Europe and w Asia. It has large leaves, purple flowers, and black berries. Alkaloids, such as atropine, are obtained from its roots and leaves. Eating the fruit can be fatal. Family Solanaceae; species Atropa belladonna.

deadly nightshade

views updated May 23 2018

dead·ly night·shade • n. a poisonous Eurasian plant (Atropa belladonna) of the nightshade family, with drooping purple flowers and black cherrylike fruit. Also called belladonna.