Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2929892

Silverleaf Nightshade

Solanum elaeagnifolium

Also known as White Horsenettle, Silverleaf Nettle, Satansbos, Trompillo

Silverleaf nightshade stands out in arid pastures and roadsides with its velvety grey foliage and striking violet flowers centered with golden stamens. Dense star-shaped hairs cover the stems and leaves, reflecting intense desert sunlight while helping conserve vital moisture. Beneath the surface, an exceptionally deep creeping root system allows this resilient plant to sprout anew even after severe drought or grazing.

ToxicPerennialWildflower
Silverleaf Nightshade reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceNo machine-readable author provided. JerryFriedman assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY 2.5 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic
Predators
  • Tortoise Beetles
  • Potato Beetles
  • Grasshoppers
ThreatsHerbicides, mechanical weeding, agricultural eradication
HabitatsScrublands, pastures, roadsides, disturbed soils
Life spanPerennial (5-10+ years via creeping roots)
Classification
  1. OrderSolanales
  2. FamilySolanaceae
  3. GenusSolanum
  4. SpeciesSolanum elaeagnifolium
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains toxic glycoalkaloids harmful to humans and livestock; never ingest wild foliage or berries.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic glycoalkaloids like solasodine that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, weakness, and potential neurological damage if eaten.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for silvery-grey foliage covered in dense star-shaped hairs, pale violet star flowers, and smooth yellow berries.
What to do
Wear gloves if clearing dense stands, and prevent livestock or pets from grazing near the plants.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for silvery velvet leaves, slender prickles, and purple five-lobed flowers with bright yellow centers.
  • Management: Deep taproots allow rapid sprouting after cutting, requiring complete root extraction for removal.
  • Safety: Keep horses and cattle away from infested pastures to prevent accidental poisoning.
Related species
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