Re: nightshade

[Mark Mayfield]

Hi Ryan,

This is a nightshade. It looks like the one that I have seen more of in the last few years called hairy nightshade. I’m pasting a past response about the same plant below. I have not revisited the taxonomy since then, but I think the correct name is Solanum sarrachoides. 

This plant is the so-called Hairy Nightshade. In North America, where it is a relative newcomer, it has been historically and incorrectly called Solanum physalifolium. Only recently, it has been recognized that our introduced North American plants should be referred to the South American species, Solanum sarrachioides. So, you’ll find it under both names in the North American literature. The plant is apparently well known for it’s toxicity to mammals. 

Mark H Mayfield

Division of Biology

Kansas State University

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From: Ryan Schaub <resc...@ksu.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 1:45 PM
To: Mark Mayfield <mark...@ksu.edu>
Subject:

 

Good afternoon Mark,

Could you help me identify this weed please.z I believe it's a nightshade but not sure which one.

Ryan

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