[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

A member of the deadly nightshade family, tomatoes were erroneously thought to be poisonous (although the leaves are poisonous) by Europeans who were suspicious of their bright, shiny fruit. Native versions were small, like cherry tomatoes, and most likely yellow rather than red.

[djf]

Some people do have reactions to the Solanus family of plants.

Nightshade, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers.

It is interesting. Here near Seattle, there is a black nightshade plant that has flowers that look EXACTLY like tomato flowers. They produce fruit - berries of sorts - that are a bit bigger than pea sized and a dark purplish color, almost black.

Being a daredevil type, I’ve actually eaten a few of them. They have a bit of a tomato flavor, and are mildly sweet.

Never have been able to find out if fur sure they are poisonous.

Most plants, probably 97%, are actually edible, although they might give you the chits for a few days. But there is a small percentage that if you have them for breakfast, you will never eat dinner. Ever. Oleander comes to mind, a highly, highly lethal plant.