Atropa belladonna

An archetypal poisonous plant that can be used with murderous intent but has also had a number of medicinal uses and is used in homeopathy. Not a plant to have in the garden, but a plant with an awful fascination. Macbeth was said to have used it against the invading army. The plant itself is robust and hardy, though uncommon in the wild. It may be found behind a fence and accompanied by dire warnings in some herb gardens. It is a robust plant that produces long bell flowers coloured purple brown, small for the size of the plant. These are followed by shiny black berries. Two or three berries carry enough poison to kill a child, but can be consumed by pheasants who come to no harm. I don't know what happens if you subsequently eat the pheasants.