I own a few rental properties so I understand the trials and tribulations of being a landlord. I mention that I own rentals in my web advertising. As a result of that, fairly often, I am hired by those who are looking to buy a potential rental property. They think that, by being a landlord myself, I will be able to better relate to their concerns at the time of the inspection. You know the kinds of things -- unsafe stairs, guardrail problems, electrical issues. Their big worry is any deficiency that might lead to a lawsuit by a tenant. In doing such an inspection the other day, where the client made it readily apparent that her primary concern was safety issues, I had an interesting thought. I was doing my preliminary pass around the house and, as is the case 99.9999% of the time, vegetation was growing against the wood siding and trim. I was snapping a photo of that, when I took another look and it all registered. I noticed the unpleasant smell and the purple flowers. This was not just another of those plants trying to do-in the siding, this plant is poisonous and very common around here. See "Deadly Nightshade." Basically, nightshade grows as a weed in Bellingham and vicinity. In my own backyard, I have to try to eradicate it on an annual basis. Back when I was a kid, fifty years ago, my mom used to warn me about not eating nightshade. As I said, it smells yucky, so what would be the appeal to a kid? Well, it has these red berries that hang down during part of the season. From what I have read, the berries are less likely to contain serious doses of poison than other parts of the plant, but they still can lead to death or serious poisoning. The bottom line is that any person, especially those looking at buying a rental house, ought to get rid of this weed. The plant is more than just a siding-wrecker. It could be a serious accident waiting to happen and it needs a date with the dumpster or an herbicide. Steven L. Smith Bellingham WA Home Inspections 
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I don't know that I have ever had an inspector also know so much about the area vegetation! Is there anything you don't know? cheryl
I guess some people make a tea out of it, for some reason. Is Washington the only state that has it on the noxious weed list?
It is the star of all kinds of mystery novels... I've never seen it in real life (to know). Thanks for the photo!
Marcy,
When I was trying to find a link I found many in the UK, so it obviously grows all over.
I've heard the story of my older sister stumbling into our farm house with her eyes dilated wide. Being a preschooler this was a cause for alarm. She had played in, I think some type of jasmine. My folks rushed to the country doc who assured them she'd be fine. (These days she would be sent to NIH for a ten day eval)
I have never seen nightshade and honestly have never heard about it before. As a Scoutmaster, I am very familiar with poison ivy and mention it on my reports when I see it. Just trying to be a good neighbor.
That stuff sounds pretty dangerous. Good thing it isn't here! ... I think ...
I don't believe we have that plant in Arkansas but we do have poison ivy which is probably about the same. I agree. It wouldn't be good around a rent house.
We wanted to drop by before Dale Baker got here. Today is Dale's Birthday so when he stops by here is a Big Happy Birthday Dale from your friends at Active Rain.
Steven: We also have a number of plants here in Texas that are very dangerous especially if you have young children. You can always tell when the deer won't eat them. Hope it was OK that we left the surpirise for Dale in case he stops by. He's a good friend to all of us here on AR.
Steven, no nightshade here. Just poison ivy. Interesting read...
Helping you live your American dream...
Steven, I remember years ago vistiting my brother who lives on Bainbridge. His wife was lecturing the children about not eating the red berries, and I'll bet it's one of these plants!
Howdy there Steven
We also have Nightshade here in New Hampshire. The Black Nightshade, it produces poisonous large black berries.
I see my good friends Carl and Ceil stoped by your post, and went off a left a cake for us to enjoy. Thank you Carl and Ceil.
Those red berries look familiar, but I couldn't tell you if we have nightshade in CT.
I was walking back from my daughters school today and what do you suppose I saw growing up the tennis court chain link fence. Nightshade. Same flowers and berries.
Mr James,
Never would I want to be thought egotistical but I am so glad that this information, which I shared with the boss ended up being important to you.
Nutsy, the scholar
Unleash the mamba!