Dreamcatcher Alpacas
Plant safety · Toxic

Is Deadly Nightshade Poisonous to Alpacas?

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) — a wild plant. Here is what alpaca owners need to know.

Updated 2026-10-02By the Dreamcatcher Alpacas editorial team
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Yes — deadly nightshade is toxic to alpacas.

Keep it out of pastures, hay and reach of fences, and never feed trimmings.

Status
Toxic
Scientific name
Atropa belladonna
Family
Solanaceae
Plant type
Wild plant
Also known as
Belladonna
Toxic parts
All parts, berries and roots especially
Toxic compound
Tropane alkaloids

Why it matters

Mostly found in Europe and in shady disturbed ground.

Signs of deadly nightshade poisoning in alpacas

  • Dilated pupils
  • Dry mouth, fast heart rate
  • Reduced gut movement, colic, bloat
  • Restlessness, incoordination

Signs can appear within minutes (cyanide, cardiac toxins) or only after weeks of exposure (liver toxins). Many poisoned camelids are simply found dead, so prevention is everything.

What to do if your alpaca ate deadly nightshade

  1. Move the herd away and remove any remaining plant material, clippings or fallen leaves.
  2. Call your veterinarian immediately, even if the alpaca looks normal. Say what was eaten, roughly how much and when.
  3. Bring a sample or clear photo of the plant to help identification.
  4. Do not give home remedies, oils or try to make the alpaca vomit unless your vet tells you to.
  5. Keep the animal quiet, in shade or shelter, with water available. Write down the time and every symptom you see.
  6. Check every other alpaca that had access, then remove the plant permanently (including roots).

Emergency: call your veterinarian immediately. If you cannot reach them, contact an animal poison control service (in the U.S., the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline; fees may apply). Bring a sample or photo of the plant.

Where it grows

GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, holds 61,876 recorded observations of Atropa belladonna L. worldwide, including 97 in the United States. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, together with Angel's Trumpet, Tobacco, Bittersweet Nightshade, Black Nightshade, Horse Nettle. See the occurrence map on GBIF.

Frequently asked questions

Is deadly nightshade poisonous to alpacas?
Yes. Yes — deadly nightshade is toxic to alpacas. Mostly found in Europe and in shady disturbed ground.
What part of deadly nightshade is toxic to alpacas?
All parts, berries and roots especially.
What are the symptoms of deadly nightshade poisoning?
Dilated pupils, dry mouth, fast heart rate, reduced gut movement, colic, bloat and restlessness, incoordination.
Is dried deadly nightshade safe?
Drying does not reliably make poisonous plants safe. Treat dried leaves and contaminated hay with the same caution.

Keeping pastures safe

  • Walk every paddock and fence line each season and remove toxic plants, including roots.
  • Never throw garden, hedge or lawn clippings over the fence.
  • Check pastures after storms for fallen branches (cherry, red maple).
  • Buy hay from known sources and inspect it for weeds.
  • Keep pastures well managed — hungry alpacas eat plants they would normally avoid.

Browse the full toxic plant checker, the printable list of poisonous plants and the list of safe plants.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.

Data: plant status compiled from veterinary toxicology references (see sources); taxonomy and occurrences from GBIF.