Hairy Nightshade (Solanum sarachoides)

Hairy Nightshade

Solanum sarachoides

Fuzzy foliage hides tiny star-shaped blooms, a quiet weed with subtle charm. Annual herbaceous weed; common name: hairy nightshade.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial shade; can tolerate brief periods of dense shade but produces fewer flowers
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal diseases
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Temperature Prefers warm temperate temperatures; cannot tolerate frost and will die back with freezing conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Ovate to lanceolate leaves covered in fine white hairs, with shallowly serrated margins
  • Flower: Tiny white star-shaped flowers with bright yellow central stamens, borne in small axillary clusters
  • Stem: Slender, hairy stems that sprawl along the ground or grow upright
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering

Eggshell powder top-dressing:Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to boost calcium levels and reduce risk of blossom end rot
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding in garden settings
  • Trim back sprawling stems to maintain a compact growth habit and improve airflow
  • Pull up entire plants after flowering to prevent spread in managed garden areas
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors

Humans: Contains solanine; ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: N/A