1. Plant is an erect or spreading shrub 3-6 feet tall; grown as an annual in flower gardens in our region

2. Stem is rigid, angular, and prickly

3. Leaves are dark green, ovate or oblong, opposite, toothed, rough above and hairy underneath, and have prominent veins

4. Flowers are small, tubular, in clusters and range from white to yellow, pink, purple, red, and orange in color

5. Round, fleshy fruits (berries) are green initially but become blue to purple to black upon ripening.

1. Lantadene A- is poisonous to the liver which in turn causes secondary photosensitization reaction

1. Lantadene A damages the liver and decreases the excretion of chlorophyll breakdown products which then leads to secondary photosensitization.
2. Skin becomes reddened and edematous, may weep or ooze fluid from surface
3. Affected areas become itchy (pruritis) and can become infected by bacteria or fungi
4. Animals may become photophobic (avoid sunlight)

1. Symptomatic treatment

2. Treat affected areas of the skin with antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, and protective ointments