Solanum diphyllum

A perennial woody shrub, can be shaped into a small standard tree. Leaves are 1-2", dark green and shiny/glossy, come in unequal pairs: one is large and elliptic, the other small and rounded. The drooping white flowers have five recurved petals and stamens with large yellow anthers. The flowers are pollinated by wasps, bees, and flies-the vibration of the wings causes the anthers to release the pollen. The many-seeded berries ripen to yellow-orange. They are very sweet and juicy. The fruit attract sweet-loving insects and birds. Birds eat the berries and are the primary dispersers of the seeds.

This plant is listed as poisonous (like many plants of Solanaceae Family), so it is unknown if the fruit is harmless to humans.

It is cultivated in China and Taiwan as an ornamental and for hedges. Can become invasive in favorable conditions.

Solanum dulcamara

Solanum dulcamara or Bittersweet Nightshade is native to Europe, Asia and parts of the United States and hardy in USDA Zone 9-11. This semi-woody, herbaceous perennial vine grows from 1 to 4 meters high and spreads by crawling over other plants. If given suitable support, this deciduous climber can extend to about 4 m high. The leaves are alternate and ovate, slender pointed and have a greyish green color. The flowers of this plant have five pointed petals, which can be seen in shades of lavender, purple and blue. These flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds in the summer and are followed by clusters of red berries.

For growing and caring for this plant, it should be placed in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. It should also be watered regularly and moderately. In cold regions, the plant should be grown in pots to protect it against freezing temperatures. It is mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time. It is an ethnomedical plant and has been used in folk medicine for centuries.

In conclusion, Solanum dulcamara is an interesting, yet toxic, vine or creeper with attractive blue, lavender, and purple flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is native to Europe and Asia, can grow up to 4 meters high and is mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time. It should be kept in full sun or semi-shade with regular to moderate water. In cold regions, the plant should be grown in pots to protect from freezing temperatures.

Solanum elaeagnifolium

Solanum gilo

Solanum gilo is a green fruit related to the tomato and the eggplant; the plant which bears it is also called the Scarlet Eggplant. It was once treated as a distinct species, Solanum gilo, but it is now known to be a cultivar group of Solanum aethiopicum (the Ethiopian Eggplant or nakati).

Solanum laciniatum

Solanum laciniatum produces two distinct types of foliage. Juvenile foliage leaves are dark green and deeply lobed, up to 10 inches (27 cm) long by 4 inches (12 cm) wide. Adult leaf forms, in contrast, are lanceolate to 6 inches (17 cm) long by 2 inches (5 cm) wide.

Solanum lasiophyllum

Solanum laxum, Solanum jasminoides

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Solanum laxum (White Potato Vine) is a beautiful vine or creeper that is native to Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay. This vigorous climber grows quickly and easily, reaching up to 15 feet or more in height. It has a showy display of white flowers that bloom for much of the year, sometimes with a pleasant mild fragrance. Solanum laxum does best in full sun or semi-shade and prefers low to moderate water once established.

The flowers come in shades of white and off-white, as well as lavender, blue and even purple hues. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as these insects love its fragrance.

When grown outdoors, Solanum laxum is a good choice for USDA zones 8-10. In cooler areas, it can grown in pots and brought inside during the winter. When grown in a container, make sure to use a potting mix that has good drainage, and fertilize during the growing season. Provide good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and give it plenty of sun for best results.

Solanum lycopersicum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Lycopersicon esculentum

The leaves, stems, and green unripe fruit of the Tomato plant, as a member of the plant genus Solanum, contain the poison solanine, which is toxic to humans and animals.

Solanum macranthum, Solanum wrightii

The Giant Potato Tree is a showy and very fast growing specimen tree of small to medium size. This plant grows quickly into a bushy tree of 15 feet in height and 15' wide. So this is a great solution when you need to get shade right away - within a couple of months! The leaves are huge, lobed and prickly. Flowers are slightly fragrant and change their color from white to pink to lavender as they mature.

This tree is a great choice if you need to create a shady area in your yard within just a few months!

See Video about this tree.

Solanum mammosum

Very unusual bright yellow fruit looks like small pear-shaped tomatoes, with nipple-like protrusions. Violet colored flowers. It shows thorns on its stem. This is an erect tropical shrub growing up to 4" tall. The deeply lobed leaves have long spikes on its surface. The fruit is a round yellow berry with numerous brownish-red seeds in it. Fruiting branches can be used in tropical cut flower arrangements.