Solanum mauritianum, commonly known as woolly nightshade or flannel weed, is a semi-evergreen shrub or small tree native to subtropical montane forests, forest edges, and riparian zones in South America, particularly in northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It can grow up to 33 feet tall with a similar spread, and it features large, grey-green, ovate-elliptical leaves that can be up to 16 inches long, covered with a soft, downy texture. The slightly scented purple flowers with a yellow center appear in cymes and are followed by spherical yellow berries that may be toxic if ingested. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, and the flowers are moderately showy.

Woolly nightshade is valued for its rapid growth and dense foliage, which can provide quick screening or hedging in suitable climates. It is also used for revegetation projects in its native range. However, due to its invasive potential, it is not recommended for planting in areas where it is not native. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require pruning to control its size and shape. It is invasive in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Australia, and Pacific islands.CC BY-SA 4.0