Silverleaf Nightshade

Solanum elaeagnifolium

Family: Solanaceae.

Form: Herb

Origin: Probably originating in south-western USA and northern Mexico.

Flowers/Seedhead: Present from mid spring to early autumn.

Description: Erect silvery perennial herb to 50 (rarely to 100) cm high. Leaves mostly 2.5–10 cm long,1–3 cm wide, lanceolate to oblong, margins undulate, lower surface with more hairs than upper surface; leaf stalk 0.5–2 cm long. Seeds rounded, flattened, light brown with irregular surface, 2.5–4 mm wide.

Distinguishing features: Distinguished by rhizomatous roots; sparse reddish to yellow prickles, 2–5 mm long, on lower stems and often on leaf stalks and lower leaf surface veins; star-shaped hairs on many parts; purple to mauve flowers (rarely pink or white) with 5 lobes, flowers 20–30 mm wide in groups of 1–4, anthers 6–8 mm long; berries globe-shaped, mottled green at first, ripening yellowish, 8–15 mm wide.

Dispersal: Spread by seed, laterally by roots and by root sections.

Confused With: Other Solanum species, see taxonomic texts for detailed distinguishing features.