Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Nightshade
Ma’iidą́ą́’
(a.k.a. silver nightshade, western horsenettle)

Stems and purple flowers of Solanum elaeagnifolium
Patrick Alexander
Solanum elaeagnifolium, silverleaf nightshade

Nightshades found on the Navajo rangelands include horsenettle and silverleaf nightshade. Both are native species, but are toxic to livestock as well as to humans despite being related to tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The plants rarely grow to a height of more than three feet. The horsenettle has small thorns, which may cause mechanical injury. Flowers have five petals and are shaped like stars. The petals lie relatively flat, allowing the five yellow stamens to stand out.

Purple, five-pointed flowers of Solanum elaeagnifolium
Patrick Alexander
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Solanum dimidiatum has five-pointed purple flowers with yellow centers and simple leaves with wavy margins.
Joy Viola, Northeastern University
Solanum dimidiatum
Growth habit of Solanum dimidiatum
Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis
Solanum dimidiatum
Plant growing at the base of a corral fence, with dusty gray/green foliage and a light purple flower.
Amy Smith Muise
Solanum elaeagnifolium, silverleaf nightshade
Close-up of stem and purple flower of Solanum elaeagnifolium
Patrick Alexander
Solanum elaeagnifolium, silverleaf nightshade
close-up of purple flower with yellow center and dusty gray/green foliage.
Patrick Alexander
Solanum elaeagnifolium, silverleaf nightshade
Scientific Name
Solanum spp.
Plant Type
Forb
Growing Season
Warm Season
Habitats
  • Brushlands
  • Grasslands
  • Wastelands
Flower Colors
  • Blue / Purple
  • White
⚠
Toxic to livestock
⚠
May cause injury
For definitions, see the glossary.

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