Solanum eleaganifolium
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Description: Perennial to 75 cm high, forming clusters. Spreads by seed and rhizomes. Leaves, alternate, 6-12 cm long, lanceolate to linear-oblong, grayish, with tiny hairs and sometimes prickles. Flowers in cymes, the corolla 2-4 cm wide, blue-purple, occasionally white. Fruit black or brown when mature.
Plant Trivia: Troublesome weed on farms. Toxic to cattle, but birds consume the fruits. Is a vigorous bloomer even in a drought.
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Common in prairies, openings, fields, disturbed areas, and roadsides.
Bloom Period: Spring to Fall
Plant Use:
Key to the species of Solanum may be found in Plants of the Texas Coastal Bend by Roy L. Lehman, Ruth O’Brien, and Tammy White
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