Solanum aviculare (New Zealand nightshade)

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Solanum spp.

nightshades

Solanaceae

Worldwide, with greatest diversity in Central and South America

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 4–11

Overview

Solanum spp. is a very large genus of about 1,500 species of annuals, perennials, vines, shrubs, and small trees in the nightshade family, Solanaceae, distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The genus includes major food crops such as the potato S. tuberosum and eggplant S. melongena, alongside many wild and weedy species. Plants range from 1 to 15 feet (0.3 to 4.5 m) tall depending on habit, with alternate leaves that are entire, lobed, or divided and sometimes armed with prickles. The flowers are star-shaped with five lobes and a projecting cone of yellow anthers, in white, purple, blue, or yellow, and measure 0.4 to 1.5 inches (1 to 4 cm) across. They are followed by berries that ripen through green, yellow, orange, red, or black. Solanum spp. grows across USDA zones 4 to 11 as a genus, though each species occupies a narrower range. Many species contain toxic solanine alkaloids in the foliage and unripe fruit, and several, such as S. dulcamara and S. carolinense, are widespread weeds.

Native Range

Distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide, with the greatest diversity in Central and South America. Some species are native to North America, while many crop and weed species have spread far beyond their original ranges through cultivation and naturalization.

Suggested Uses

Grown as food crops, as ornamental shrubs and vines for flowers and colorful berries, and as container and conservatory plants in cold climates. The flowers are visited by buzz-pollinating bees, and ripe berries of some species feed birds. The toxic foliage and fruit of many species limit placement where children and pets are active.

How to Identify

Identified by star-shaped, five-lobed flowers with a central cone of fused yellow anthers, alternate leaves that may be entire, lobed, or prickly, and berry fruits that ripen from green through red, orange, or black. The protruding yellow anther cone is a consistent mark of Solanum spp.. Crushed foliage of many species has a rank scent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 15'

Width/Spread1' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Most species flower through summer, often over many weeks, with new flowers opening as earlier ones set fruit. Tropical and crop species can flower across a longer season in warm climates. Berries develop after flowering and color as they ripen.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, purple, blue, or yellow with a yellow anther cone

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand silt

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil of moderate fertility. Steady moisture supports flowering and fruiting, while drought and poor soil reduce both. Cold tolerance ranges from USDA zone 4 for hardy perennials to zone 11 for tropical species, so siting depends on the species. Aphids, flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, and several fungal and viral diseases affect plants across the genus. The foliage and unripe berries of many species are toxic if eaten. Tender and crop species are grown as annuals where frost occurs.

Pruning

Shrubby and vining species are pruned in late winter or early spring to control size and remove weak stems. Herbaceous and crop types are cut down at the end of the season. The prickles on some species and the toxic sap make handling slow.