Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is an extremely toxic plant, posing serious risks to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. Due to its high toxicity, it is strongly advised against planting it in your yard. This medium-sized shrub is characterized by dark green leaves, distinctive purple bell-shaped flowers, and shiny black berries. Native to Eurasia, belladonna has naturalized in various regions globally. It’s important to note that the nectar from belladonna flowers, from which bees produce honey, is toxic for human consumption. Extreme caution should be exercised to prevent exposure to this hazardous plant.
Belladonna Toxicity
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is an extremely toxic plant, with all its parts—leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots—posing significant dangers if ingested by humans or domesticated animals. The purplish-black berries, in particular, are a major risk, especially for children who may be attracted to their sweet taste. It’s noteworthy that wildlife, such as birds, appears to be immune to the toxic effects of belladonna. The honeybees that use belladonna nectar to produce honey also create a product toxic to humans.
Belladonna is characterized by its tall, bushy, upright perennial structure, returning yearly and reaching a height and width of three to four feet. The dark green leaves are oval, unevenly sized, and range from three to ten inches in length. Lower leaves grow singly, while upper leaves are paired.
The plant blooms from June to early September, producing mildly scented, bell-shaped flowers in dull purple or lavender with a greenish tinge. The flowers appear in the leaf axils, the angle between the leaf and the upper stem.
The fruit, often referred to as the devil’s cherry, ripens from late August to September. These black, shiny berries, about three-quarters of an inch in size, are not uniform and quickly dry up once ripe. The berries, resembling wild edible varieties like blueberries and blackberries, pose a particular risk due to their sweet taste, increasing the likelihood of accidental ingestion. The toxic compounds in belladonna include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine.
How to Get Rid of Belladonna from Your Yard
If you’ve positively identified belladonna in your yard, it’s crucial to take extensive precautions to avoid skin contact. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves. If the plant is tall and there’s a risk of contact with your face, consider wearing goggles or a full-face respirator.
When removing the plant, dig it out along with all its roots. Thoroughness is essential, as belladonna can regrow from any remaining roots in the soil. Dispose of the entire plant, including its roots, in the trash. Ensure that you disinfect the tools used for removal, such as shovels and pruners, with a chlorine bleach solution (1 cup chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water). Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning the tools and dispose of the solution properly. Wash your work clothes immediately and separately from other clothing.
If belladonna begins to regrow from residual roots, the most effective chemical solution is a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate. Apply the herbicide when the shoots are still small to minimize its use and eliminate the plant before it can spread again.
How to Prevent Belladonna From Spreading
Preventing the spread of belladonna in your yard involves a combination of careful removal, monitoring, and ongoing management. Here are steps you can take to prevent belladonna from spreading:
- Early Identification:
- Learn to recognize belladonna in different growth stages, including seedlings, young plants, and mature plants.
- Regularly inspect your yard, especially areas where belladonna is likely to grow.
- Prompt Removal:
- Act swiftly to remove any belladonna plants you identify.
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and appropriate eye protection.
- Dig out the entire plant, including its roots, to prevent regrowth.
- Dispose of the plant in the trash; do not compost it.
- Thorough Cleanup:
- Disinfect tools used for removal with a chlorine bleach solution (1 cup chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water).
- Dispose of the solution properly and wear waterproof gloves during the cleaning process.
- Wash work clothes immediately and separately from other clothing.
- Regular Monitoring:
- Keep a watchful eye on the areas where belladonna was present to detect any regrowth.
- Be especially diligent in the first few weeks after removal.
- Chemical Control:
- If belladonna begins to regrow, consider using a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate.
- Apply the herbicide to the small shoots to minimize its use and effectively control the plant.
- Prevent Seed Formation:
- Remove flowers before they produce seeds to prevent the spread of belladonna.
- Regularly deadhead the plants to stop seed development.
- Maintain Healthy Soil:
- Encourage the growth of desirable plants to outcompete belladonna.
- Ensure proper soil health and fertility to support the growth of desired vegetation.
- Educate Others:
- Share information about belladonna and its toxicity with neighbors and community members.
- Encourage responsible gardening practices to prevent the inadvertent spread of this toxic plant.
How to Tell the Difference Between Belladonna vs. Twinberry Honeysuckle
Twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata) is sometimes mistaken for belladonna due to the visual resemblance of their black berries. However, twinberry honeysuckle earns its name by producing paired berries, in contrast to belladonna, which forms single berries. The berries of twinberry honeysuckle are smaller, and the shrub features red leaves around the berry clusters. Additionally, the flowers of twinberry honeysuckle are yellow, distinguishing it from belladonna, which bears dark purple blooms.