Idaho Mountain Wildflowers

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Solanaceae, Nightshade Family

Then nightshade family is made up of 98 genera and 2,715 species. It includes some of our most important food plants: potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, etc., as well as tobacco. Various members contain poisonous alkaloids, including atropine-related substances some of which are therapeutically important: for example, atropine (belladonna), scopolamine,  hyosciamine, and other congeners. Various Solanaceae are also favorite ornamentals, including petunias, Japanese lanterns, etc. While three dozen or so genera are found in North America—mostly as semi-tropical plants—only a few native Solanaceae grow in Idaho: species of Datura (Jimson-weeds), Nicotiana (tobacco plants), and Physalis (ground-cherries), none of these are found in our mountains so far as we are aware. The two plants shown here are included for they grow at least as high as the montane zone. Both are common Eurasian imports now found throughout North America. The family takes its name from solanum, a Latin name used by Pliny that means “comforter,” reflecting the sedative effects of various alkaloidal substances found in this family.

Black henbane, Hyoscyamus niger L. (left). Given its striking appearance, black henbane is recognizeable at first glance. An Old World plant, it is considered a noxious weed in Idaho and in several other states for it is toxic to livestock. Henbanes contain generous amount of the alkaloid hyoscine (scopolamine) used for millennia as a sedative, and for its atropine-like properties. Scopolamine has been used in obstetrics to induce “twilight sleep,” as an adjunct to anesthesia, and—reputedly—for extracting confessions. Climbing nightshade, Solanum dulcamara L. (right). The climbing nightshade usually grows on disturbed ground. While it is considered a weed, it is not a particularly agressive one. The flowers’ reflexed deep purple petals and joined beak-like yellow anthers serve to identify the plant. Although the leaves and unripe fruit are poisonous, its ripe red berries are said to be toxic only if eaten in large quantities. The berries are bitter at first, but then leave a sweet taste explaining the species name, dulcamara, Latin for “bittersweet.”

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