Hairy nightshade

June 11, 2015

Solanum sarrachoides Sendtner Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

Life cycle

Erect, branching summer annual.

Young hairy nightshade plant.

Leaves

Seedlings have small, egg-shaped cotyledons with pointed tips. First leaves are hairy with wavy margins and distinct veins; later leaves are prominently hairy and egg- to diamondshaped with entire to irregularly toothed margins. Foliage often feels sticky.

Stems

Erect and branching, up to 2-foot-tall stems with distinct hairs. Plants often have a spreading habit, up to 3 feet in diameter.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are white and star-shaped with five petals fused at the base surrounding five bright yellow anthers. Berries are green and contain small seeds.

Hairy nightshade flower and berries (left) and flowers (right).

Reproduction

Seeds.

Toxicity

All plant parts are toxic to animals.

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MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management