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| Solanum douglasii |
| Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade) |
| Flowers — color: white, size: 1/2", type: 5 petals |
Flowers — color: , size: , type:
| color | white |
| style | five petals |
The Greenspot Nightshade flower has five white to pale lavender petals in a star shape, roughly 1/2" wide. Each petal has a green mark and a purple central vein, and comes to a delicate point. Prominent yellow anthers are 1/8" long and the pistil projects from their center. Purple nightshade has a similar form, but its flower's five petals are fused and lack the yellow anthers.
The flowers form in an umbel—pedicels share common origin. Each will produce a dark fruit, 1/4–3/8" in size, resembling a small eggplant, a close relative.
Habit:
Greenspot Nightshade is a perennial herb or subshrub. I found a few living branches from a larger bush that would die in the next year. It has an upright style, with many stems growing from the base and each branching occasionally. The leaves seem almost shiny and the edges may be smooth or coarsely toothed. Purple Nightshade has darker broader petals and duller leaves.
Like all nightshades, most parts of this plant are poisonous. Some Native Americans used the juice from the berry to treat eye problems and make tattoos. Purple nightshade has a similar form, but its flower's five petals are fused and lack the yellow anthers. Full sun or part shade.