Widespread. Often confused with deadly nightshade. Annual.

 

Identification

Upright plant that can grow tall and leafy. The leaves and stem can develop a purple tinge, especially late in the season when stressed. It produces a small white flower and bunches of berries that are either green or black.

 

Characteristics

Germinates in the spring and dies with frosts in autumn.
Often confused with deadly nightshade, which is much more poisonous and less common, mainly found around Christchurch. Black nightshade is spread through birds consuming its fruit and spreading
seed through their droppings.