Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cavanilles
(Silverleaf Nightshade, Purple Nightshade)


Family: Solanaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
None

Solanum elaeagnifolium is a very common lower elevation herb with long, sinuate gray leaves and purple flowers. The fruit begins green, then turns yellow and purple black. It is found in most dry disturbed areas. A much less common flower color seen with this plant is white.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Solanum elaeagnifolium, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Rd., Aug. 12, 2008



Solanum elaeagnifolium, flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, August 22, 2012



Solanum elaeagnifolium, closeup of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, August 22, 2012



Solanum elaeagnifolium, flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, May 21, 2007



Solanum elaeagnifolium, plant with white flowers and green fruit, photo Russ Kleinman & Danielle Walkup, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, July 7, 2008



Solanum elaeagnifolium, detail of white flower, photo Russ Kleinman & Danielle Walkup, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, July 7, 2008



Solanum elaeagnifolium, macro of fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, Nov. 7, 2008



Solanum elaeagnifolium, more mature fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, Dec. 12, 2008



Solanum elaeagnifolium, stamen opening by terminal pore, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, July 30, 2011



Solanum elaeagnifolium, ovary with 2 connate carpels and axile placentation and many ovules per carpel, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, July 30, 2011


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