Solanaceae

Solanum elaeagnifolium

Common Names: Silverleaf nightshade

Plant Form: Erect perennial herb. Size: Up to 1 m tall. Stem: Slender with reddish or yellow spines. Leaves: Oblong to lance shaped 2-10 cm long, with white hairs covering surfaces, giving them silvery appearance. Flowers: Typical nightshade blueish purple to occasionally pink or white 2-4 cm diameter, 5 fused petals with yellow stamens. Fruit and Seeds: Green to yellow or brownish (when ripe) berries, containing 38-89 tomato-like seeds. Habitat: Cultivated areas, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Leaves with silver appearance due to whitish hairs, but otherwise can closely resemble other Nightshade (Solanum) species. Impacts: Reduces crop yields through competition, pest and disease vector, can be toxic to some stock.