Fruit
Deadly nightshade
Atropa belladonna L. · belladonna, dwale · Polish: Pokrzyk wilcza-jagoda
Deadly poisonous Partially protected
How to identify it
- A herbaceous plant (perennial), not a dwarf shrub.
- Flowers single, barrel- to bell-shaped, dull purple, brownish-yellow at the base (June–July).
- Fruit: a purple-black, glossy, many-seeded berry the size of a cherry, borne singly; it is surrounded by a green, persistent calyx.
- The berries taste sweetish — this is not a sign that they are safe.
Where it grows
Most often on woodland edges and in forest clearings (felled areas).
What not to confuse it with
Bilberry Edible
Deadly nightshade berries are easily mistaken for bilberries, and by children for cherries.
Frequently asked questions
What can Deadly nightshade be confused with?
Bilberry: Deadly nightshade berries are easily mistaken for bilberries, and by children for cherries.
Is Deadly nightshade a protected species?
Yes, it is partially protected under the Polish regulation on the protection of plant species (rozporządzenie w sprawie ochrony gatunkowej roślin, Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1409).
Sources
- Wikipedia: Pokrzyk wilcza jagoda
- mp.pl: Truciciele z naszych lasów (prof. A. Matkowski, 11.07.2025)
- mp.pl (lek. Magdalena Wiercińska): Jagody i grzyby leśne – jak jeść bezpiecznie? (30.07.2025)
- PSSE Szczytno: Te rośliny omijaj z daleka – są trujące (19.07.2023)
- pacjent.gov.pl: Co robić w przypadku zatrucia (20.04.2022)
- Rozporządzenie Ministra Środowiska z 9 października 2014 r. w sprawie ochrony gatunkowej roślin (Dz.U. 2014 poz. 1409)
Last checked: 9 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to us.