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DESCRIPTION:
Silverleaf nightshade, a deep-rooted broadleaf perennial, has gray-green cotyledons (seed leaves).
First true leaves have wavy margins and are covered with small star-shaped
hairs. Creeping stems produce young shoots that are dusky, silver gray.
Mature plant is 1 to 3 feet (30 - 90 cm) tall. This well-branched plant has
leaves and stems that are covered with dense short hairs. Showy flowers, 3/4
to 1 inch (19 - 25 mm) wide, have deep violet to light blue (sometimes white)
petals. Fruits are globe-shaped, dull yellow to orange berries. It is widespread
in California's desert valleys, especially in poorly managed fields. Reduced
tillage favors silverleaf nightshade. Once established, it is difficult to
eradicate. The worst of the nightshades are black nightshade and hairy nightshade.
Broadleaf ID illustration.
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