Chaparral Nightshade
(Solanum xanti)
Chaparral Nightshade (Solanum xanti)
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© rappman
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Photo by: © rappman | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: rappman | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Solanum xanti, commonly known as Chaparral Nightshade, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to chaparral, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub in the Southwestern United States, particularly California. It typically grows to about 90 centimeters (35 inches) in height and has a branching, hairy stem. The leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, and the plant produces umbel-shaped inflorescences with many purple-blue flowers, each up to 3 centimeters wide, from February to June. The flowers are followed by green berries, 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide, which turn yellowish as they mature. In cultivation, Chaparral Nightshade is valued for its drought tolerance, attractive flowers, and ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions.
Chaparral Nightshade is used in perennial borders, drought-tolerant landscapes, and native plant gardens. It is particularly suitable for dry shade areas, such as under native oaks, and is deer resistant due to its toxic properties. While all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the unripe fruit, this characteristic makes it less palatable to wildlife and reduces browsing damage. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring very low to low water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. Gardeners should handle this plant with care due to its toxicity and wear gloves when pruning or handling cut parts of the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chaparral Nightshade is used in perennial borders, drought-tolerant landscapes, and native plant gardens. It is particularly suitable for dry shade areas, such as under native oaks, and is deer resistant due to its toxic properties. While all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the unripe fruit, this characteristic makes it less palatable to wildlife and reduces browsing damage. It thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring very low to low water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. Gardeners should handle this plant with care due to its toxicity and wear gloves when pruning or handling cut parts of the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub
Other Names
Common Names: Purple Nightshade, San Diego Nightshade
Scientific Names: , Solanum xanti, Solanum umbelliferum var. xanti, Solanum xanti var. xanti, Solanum xanti var. spencerae, Solanum xanti subsp. glabrescens, Solanum xanti var. spenceri,
GBIF Accepted Name: Solanum umbelliferum var. xanti (A.Gray) D.J.Keil