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Silverleaf Nightshade
Nightshade Family : Solanaceae
Latin Name : Solanum elaeagnifolium
Longevity : Perennial
Season : Warm
Origin : Native
Value : Wildlife – fair
Livestock – poor (Toxic)
Remarks :
Other common names, "White-weed" and "White horse-
nettle". Flowers March to October. Adapted to disturbed
sites, most commonly found in limestone derived soils.
This nightshade is a prickly plant with a violet to pale lavender
flower. It is a very aggressive sprouter from deep,
tough roots. Although silverleaf nightshade is known primarily
for its poisonous qualities, it is in the same family
as many valuable plants such as tomato, potato, eggplant
and chili peppers. Native Americans used the ripe yellow
fruit to make cheese and as a poison ivy antidote. The fruit
is eaten by feral hogs, javelina, and whitetailed deer. The
seeds are consumed by bobwhite quail. This plant has reportedly
poisoned horses, sheep, goats, cattle and humans.
The leaves and fruit are toxic at all stages of growth , the
highest concentration is in the ripe fruits.
Source: USDA-NRCS
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