Nightshades - Solanum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Nightshades

Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.

Scientific classification

Genus

Nightshades (Solanum)

Family

Nightshade

Order

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Evergreen

Leaf type

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Nightshades

Species

Black nightshade Ear-leaved nightshade Black nightshade Brazilian nightshade Jerusalem cherry American black nightshade Carolina horsenettle Eggplant Tamarillo Silverleaf nightshade Sticky Nightshade Buffalo bur Tropical soda apple Quito orange Bitter apple Soda-apple nightshade Whitetip nightshade Nipple-fruit Western Horsenettle Lyreleaf nightshade Texas Nightshade Hairy nightshade Surattense Nightshade Bluewitch nightshade Bitter tomato Bahama nightshade Spiral bittersweet Hinds' nightshade Cutleaf nightshade Green nightshade Giant potato creeper San Marzano Tomato Potato 'British Queen'Potato 'Belle de Fontenay'Potato 'Blue Danube'Potato 'Red Duke of York'Potato 'Kestrel'Potato 'King Edward'Tomato 'Chocolate Cherry'Tomato 'Black Russian'Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegated'Kumato Tomato Indian nightshade Nightshade Eggplant 'Black Beauty'Potato 'Desiree'Tomato 'Sungold'Cherry tomato Chilean nightshade Gardeners Delight Tomato Tigerella Tomato Dwarf tamarillo Potato 'Estima'Potato 'Lady Christl'Tomato 'Beefmaster'Eggplant 'Moneymaker'Potato 'Nicola'Cherry tomato Roma Tomato Brandywine Tomato Tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino'Nightshades 'Album'Solanum tuberosum 'Arran Pilot’Potato 'Foremost'Potato 'Pink Fir Apple'Green Zebra Tomato Black Krim Tomato Potato 'Maris Piper'Hairy-fruited eggplant

Toxicity

Consumption or contact with nightshades can be severely toxic to cats and dogs. Immediate veterinary attention is essential. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, drooling, weakness, dilated pupils, behavioral changes, decreased heart rate, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, coma, or death.

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Care Guide for Nightshades

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Nightshades thrives with consistent moisture similar to its native habitat. It prefers evenly moist soil, requiring weekly watering to avoid extremes. In temperate climates, natural rain assists its hydration, especially during the active growing season, which is vital for its health and vitality.

Propagation: Propagating nightshades involves seed sowing or cuttings. Key success factors include warm temperatures (around 21°C/70°F), bright indirect light, and well-draining soil. Maintain moisture carefully to avoid overwatering. Steps include using a seed-starting mix for seeds or rooting hormone for cuttings.

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Learn More About Nightshades

Toxicity

How to Grow and Care

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