Solanum ptychanthum
(West Indian Nightshade )
Solanum ptychanthum, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone Co. 6432
Solanum ptychanthum, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone Co. 6443
Solanum ptychanthum, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone Co. 6448
Solanum ptychanthum, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone Co. 6457
Solanum ptychanthum, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone Co. 6454
| Scientific Name | Solanum ptychanthum | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SOPT7 |
| Common Name | West Indian Nightshade, Eastern Black Nightshade | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 505270 |
| Family | Solanaceae (Nightshade) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Various types of moist to seasonally wet (mesic) soils in thickets, woodland openings, streambanks, fields, pastures, fencerows and disturbed areas. Plant: Erect annual plant 1 to 3 ft. tall; smooth stems branching frequently above. Leaves: Alternate , broadly lanceolate, ovate, oval, or oval-deltate, 1 to 3 inches long and up to 2 inches wide; edges are smooth, undulate, or bluntly dentate, tips are acute. Inflorescence: Small clusters (umbels) of small, drooping flowers arising from leaf axils; star-shaped flowers are up to 1/2-inch across with 5 (usually) white, spreading or curled petals, typically green at the base; 5 yellow stamens surrounding a green style just visible at the tip of the column; calyx below with 5 triangular lobes. Bloom Period: April to November. Fruit: Round berries 1/4 to 1/3-inch in diameter ripening to shiny black. References: "Wildflowers of Texas" by Michael Eason, Illinois Wildflowers and Minnesota Wildflowers. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024