FEATURED WEED
Nightshade
(Solanum species)
Description:
Pictured above Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.); a Class A noxious weed. This a trailing or climbing perennial has spreading stems up to 10 feet. Leaves are dark green to sometimes dark purplish, 1 to 4 inches long, often with one to several lobes of leaflets at the base. Flowers are star-shaped, having purple petals and prominent yellow or oranges anthers. Berries are bright red, egg-shaped, and arranged in open clusters. All parts of the plant are toxic. Young plants and immature berries are particularly poisonous. Children seem to be especially attracted tot he bright berries, which will cause poisoning if eaten in sufficient quantity. For More information about Silverleaf nightshade see the Washington State Noxious Weed Board web site.
Other Varieties:
Climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), also known as bittersweet. A perennial with long branches trailing or climbing on other plants; lance-shaped leaves lobed at the base; bluish-purple flowers; immature green berries turning bright red.
Hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides), an annual to 0.6 metres tall; white flowers; dense covering of short hairs on leaves and stems; yellowish-brown berries at maturity; calyx cupped 2/3 around berry.
Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), another annual to 0.9 metres tall; white flowers; smooth leaves; black to dark purple berries at maturity; short calyx does not cup the berry.
Control:
- Mechanical: Cultivation, mowing.
- Biological: Unknown at this time.
- Herbicide: Do not use herbicides in wetland or aquatic areas, without first contacting you local weed control agency. In Pierce County e-mail or call 235-798-6800.
This web site managed by the Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board which is solely responsible for all information including issues of content, accuracy and timeliness.