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, 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


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