Solanum sp.
Nightshade, Nightshade
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Solanaceae · Type: Annual · Variable; species dependent
Solanum sp. (Nightshade) is a non-native California annual in the Solanaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Lycianthes: Solanum anthers open by pores at tips; Lycianthes anthers split lengthwise.; vs Physalis: Solanum lacks papery lantern around fruit; Physalis has distinctive inflated calyx covering the berry.; vs Phacelia: Solanum has yellow anther cone; Phacelia has protruding stamens and coiled flower clusters.; vs Capsicum: Solanum has rotate star flowers; Capsicum has flowers with spreading petals not forming flat star.; vs Salvia: Solanum has 5 stamens forming yellow cone; Salvia has 2 stamens and square stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solanum sp. native to California?
No. Solanum sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Solanum sp. belong to?
Solanum sp. is in the Solanaceae family, genus Solanum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Solanum triflorum — Cutleaf nightshade
- Solanum umbelliferum — Blue witch nightshade
- Solanum umbelliferum var. clokeyi — Clokey's nightshade
- Solanum umbelliferum var. glabrescens — Bald blue-witch nightshade
- Solanum umbelliferum var. hoffmannii — Hoffmann's nightshade
- Solanum umbelliferum var. incanum — White-stemmed nightshade
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.