Yellow-flowered belladonna (Atropa bella-donna f. lutea)

Yellow-flowered deadly nightshade Yellow belladonna
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Atropa bella-donna f. lutea (Yellow-Flowered Deadly Nightshade) | Encyclopedia

Displaying pale yellow blossoms instead of the typical purple-brown bells, this rare botanical form stands out in the shade. Atropa bella-donna f. lutea is a naturally occurring variant characterized by its lack of dark anthocyanin pigments.

This plant is found in wild habitats across parts of Europe, growing alongside the typical species. It contains the same highly toxic alkaloids as the nominate form, posing severe risks if ingested.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ asterids
  • ∟ order Solanales
  • ∟ family Solanaceae
  • ∟ subfamily Solanoideae
  • ∟ tribe Hyoscyameae
  • ∟ genus Atropa (Belladonna)
  • ∟ species Atropa bella-donna (Deadly Nightshade)
  • ∟ form Atropa bella-donna f. lutea (Yellow-flowered belladonna)

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Morphology

This form differs from the nominate subspecies in its distinctive coloration. The vegetative and reproductive structures exhibit several unique features:

  • Flowers: Pale yellow or greenish-yellow corollas, bell-shaped, nodding, and lacking any purple tint.
  • Berries: Spherical fruit that ripens to a bright yellow or pale amber color, rather than the dark purple-black of the typical species.
  • Foliage: Light green, ovate leaves that are generally paler than those of the common deadly nightshade.
  • Stems: Green, herbaceous, and lacking the purplish coloration often seen in the nominate form.

Flowering season

June to August

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Applications

Although highly toxic, this plant has historical and scientific importance. It contains tropane alkaloids that are used in modern medicine under strict controls.

  • Alkaloid Extraction: Source of atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine used in pharmaceutical formulations.
  • Botanical Research: Used to study pigment mutation pathways and the genetics of anthocyanin synthesis in the nightshade family.

Interesting facts

The yellow variant was first formally described in the 19th century. Its yellow berries can be deceptively attractive to wildlife and humans, increasing the danger of accidental poisoning.

  • Pigment Mutation: A single gene mutation prevents the development of dark anthocyanin pigments, resulting in yellow flowers and fruit.
  • Toxicity Level: Despite its different appearance, it is just as deadly as the dark-purple nightshade.

Geography of distribution

  • Europe

Sources

  • GBIF Secretariat (2025). Atropa bella-donna f. lutea.
  • Plants of the World Online (POWO). Atropa bella-donna.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Yellow Belladonna

Yellow Belladonna

Atropa belladonna ʽLutea’

A cultivated selection of deadly nightshade featuring yellow flowers and golden-yellow berries.

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True Araucarias

True Araucarias

Araucaria sect. Araucaria

Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …

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