Native to central and southern Europe. Light green plant likes plenty of shade. Bell shaped flowers give way to large, soft, shining black berries with purple juice. All parts of the plant are potentially toxic .
Dry leaf contains atropine and scopalamine which are narcotic and antispasmodic in effect.
A preparation of the root has been used to reduce swelling of tumors. A very charming and insidious plant. Soak seed for one day in water at room temperature, chill for 24 hours, then sow in the greenhouse. Requires partial to full shade. Space plants 2 feet apart.