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How to Manage Pests

Identification: Weed Photo Gallery

Silverleaf nightshade

Scientific name: Solanum elaeagnifolium (Family Solanaceae)

Life stages of Silverleaf nightshade top picture bottom picture

Click on image to enlarge

DESCRIPTION:
Silverleaf nightshade, a deep-rooted perennial, has gray-green seed leaves. First true leaves have wavy margins and are covered with small star-shaped hairs. Spreading rhizomes produce young shoots that are dusky, silver gray. Mature plant is 1 to 3 feet (30 - 90 cm) tall. This well-branched plant has leaves and stems that are covered with dense short hairs. Showy flowers, 3/4 to 1 inch (19 - 25 mm) wide, have deep violet to light blue (sometimes white) petals. Fruits are globe-shaped, dull yellow to orange berries. It is widespread in California's desert valleys, especially in poorly managed fields. Reduced tillage favors silverleaf nightshade. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate.

Broadleaf ID illustration.


Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/WEEDS/silverleaf_nightshade.html revised: March 11, 2008. Contact webmaster.