Silverleaf Nightshade

Silverleaf Nightshade

Natural History

Silverleaf Nightshade is a member of the

Nightshade (or Potato) Family. It grows to 3 feet in height and has silvery, lance shaped leaves with wavy edges which grow to 4 inches in length. The plant typically grows in open areas, such as roadsides and fields, at elevations between 1000-5500 feet.

The Silverleaf Nightshade is poisonous, however, Native Americans used to use the crushed berries of the plant to curdle milk since they contain a protein-digesting enzyme.

Silverleaf Nightshade typically blooms between May - October and produces a bluish purple, star shaped flower with yellow anthers in the middle to 1.5 inches in width. The flower is followed by a 1/2 inch diameter yellow berry.

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