black nightshade, Solanum ptychanthum

Why do we disparage plants that like us? Kentucky has even made this officially noxious. Black nightshade seems to follow us around, taking root in all those weedy spots that we create. Weeds just want to be our buddies. This is called black because of the berries. Those black berries taste exactly like tomatoes. Don't eat them! Some people are more sensitive to their poison than others, like with tomatoes but more so. Black nightshade now (it HAS been following us around) grows in every state except CA, NV, OR, and WA, and in MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, QC, and SK. Monroe Co MI, 8/25/13. Nightshade family, Solanaceae.