[Illustration: Deadly nightshade, black cherry
_Atropa belladonna--SOLANACEAE_]
=Description=: A perennial bushy herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching
stems with dark green pointed leaves, lavender-to-purple, bell-shaped
flowers, and black cherry-like fruits. (Not related to cherry trees.)
Plants rarely grown in gardens, usually weeds found in scattered areas.
Children are especially attracted to the fruits.
=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids
(=atropine=, =hyoscyamine=, =scopolamine=, etc.) similar to those
of the jimsonweed (see page 12). Poisoning causes drying of
the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and
central-nervous-system depression. Poison can be absorbed by handling
leaves, as well as by eating fruits. Severely poisonous!
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit immediately if eaten.
Exposed skin should be washed with soapy water. Physicians treat for
=atropine= poisoning.
NOTE: Other nightshades causing poisoning include the blue and black
nightshades which are also known as bittersweets (_Solanum dulcamara_,
and _Solanum nigrum_ respectively). (See page 3.)