Mullein Nightshade
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(Solanum erianthum)
Mullein Nightshade (Solanum erianthum)
/
Eugene Popov
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Eugene Popov
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Eugene Popov | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Eugene Popov | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-10-13T13:56:51-07:00 |
Summary
Solanum erianthum, commonly known as Mullein Nightshade or Potato Tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to a range of habitats including tropical forests, forest edges, and clearings in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Florida, and South America. It typically grows to a height of 6-26 feet (2-8 meters) with a flat-topped crown. The plant features large, simple, ovate leaves that are 5-15 inches long, and it produces clusters of showy, fragrant white flowers with prominent yellow stamens throughout the year, followed by yellow berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Mullein Nightshade is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used for hedging, screening, and as a specimen plant. This species prefers full sun to part shade, and while it tolerates a range of soil types, it grows best in well-drained soils. It can become drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can become weedy or invasive in some regions, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mullein Nightshade is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used for hedging, screening, and as a specimen plant. This species prefers full sun to part shade, and while it tolerates a range of soil types, it grows best in well-drained soils. It can become drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can become weedy or invasive in some regions, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 8-20 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical forests, forest edges, and clearings in Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America
Other Names
Common Names: Potato Tree, Velvet Nightshade, China Flowerleaf, Turkey Berry, Wild Tobacco, Big Eggplant, Mullein Nightshade, Flannelbush
Scientific Names: Solanum erianthum, Solanum adulterinum, Solanum adulterinum, Solanum amblycalycinum, Solanum amblycalyx, Solanum corymbosum, Solanum erianthum var. adulterinum, Solanum eriocalyx, Solanum mauritianum, Solanum pubescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Solanum erianthum