Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Silverleaf Nightshade, Silver-leaved Nightshade, Prairie Berry, Silverleaf Nettle, White Horsenettle, Silver Nightshade, Trompillo, Tomato Weed, Bull Nettle
  • Synonyms: Solanum elaeagnifolium
  • Family: Solanaceae (Nightshades)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: weed
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: round
  • Size: up to 3 feet
  • Stem: hairy, white

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: lanceolate
  • Edge: shallowly waved edges
  • Arrangement:
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: purple, yellow, white
  • Flower Size: 1-2 inch
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  • Fruit: glossy yellow, orange, or red berries

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low to moderate
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: poor soil with very little water
  • Habitat: disturbed areas

Distribution

  • Distribution: Across southern half of United States and in northern Mexico; in West, north to Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Nebraska
  • Seen: NV (Floyd Lamb Park), AZ (Desert Botanical Garden)
  • Elevation: 1,000 to 5,500 feet (330-2000 m)

Photographs

Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

Floyd Lamb Park, Nevada

Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

Floyd Lamb Park, Nevada