What is this plant pleasE?

[Birdwatchers]

What is this please that has started growing in one of our tubs?
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[PeterJL]

At a guess the fruits could be nice with some cheese in a butty.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by PeterJL

At a guess the fruits could be nice with some cheese in a butty.

I certainly wouldn't advise it! It's Black Nightshade, Solanum nigrum. The ripe berries may not do too much damage, but green ones are toxic.

[nakedgardener]

Don't eat it.. green, black, or any part of it!

[Beekeeper]

I always thought that this plant can proove fatal if the berries are eaten, as for the butties

BK

[davidbr]

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

I always thought that this plant can proove fatal if the berries are eaten, as for the butties

BK

No, it's not quite that dangerous - people tend to refer to this species & Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) as "deadly nightshade", which is a very different and much rarer plant. That (Atropa belladonna) is the one that can kill in high-enough doses.

The berries are, however, a very powerful purgative (will make you vomit) and laxative. They contain a chemical called solanine which affects the gastro-intestinal tract, as well as causing hallucinations and a lowering of blood pressure.

I sure wouldn't advise using them in a sandwich - you won't die, but you'll be a bit out of it for a while and then probably very sick (to put it mildly )

[Beekeeper]

This is what makes the site special, helpful and interesting replies to questions, thank you davidbr.

BK