Scopolia

Scopolia is a small genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It includes a few species native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia, with Scopolia carniolica being the best known. These are herbaceous perennials with tuberous roots and generally simple, opposing leaves. The plants produce large, tubular, bell-shaped flowers that are often purplish or greenish and hang from the stems, typically flowering in late spring to early summer.

All parts of Scopolia contain tropane alkaloids, most notably scopolamine and hyoscyamine (atropine-related compounds). These alkaloids have potent anticholinergic effects and have been used in medicine for anesthesia, antiemetic purposes, and pupil dilation, among other applications. Because of their toxicity, handling and ingestion of Scopolia plant material can be dangerous, and there have been reports of serious or fatal poisoning.

In cultivation, Scopolia is valued by some collectors and specialist gardeners for its ornamental flowers and interesting chemistry. The plants prefer cool or temperate climates and shady, moist, humus-rich soils. They are typically propagated by division of the tubers or by seed, and are usually grown in borders or woodland garden settings rather than as high-use ornamentals due to their toxicity.