Solanum xanti - qm

1. Purple Nightshade/ Blue Witch – Solanum xanti (so-LAN-num ZAN-tee)
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. including Ca west of the Sierras & foothills of desert mountains; in coastal
sage scrub & chaparral.
Growth characteristics: perennial or sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft. Semi-
evergreen perennial or sub-shrub (base becomes woody). Shape mounded to sprawling. Thin, oval
leaves with a silvery gleam due to leaf hairs (trichomes). May become summer-dormant. NOTE: all
parts of this plant are poisonous to humans & animals if eaten/ingested.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms from late winter through spring and even summer – generally from March to
May. Deep violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens. The flower is typical of nightshades, but large (to 1
inch) and intensely colored. Flowers have a wonderful sweet scent – like violets but better! Fruits are
pea-sized purple-brown berries (which may be poisonous).
Uses in the garden: Often used as a scented plant in water-wise gardens. Flowers very attractive in
color – a showy perennial for mid- to back-bed areas. Long bloom season with occasional water. Nice
addition to habitat gardens. Does well under oaks and other summer-dry trees. Nice container plant.
Cultivar ‘Navajo Creek’ has dark flowers & crinkled leaves; ‘Salmon Creek’ has dark flowers and leaves.
Cultivar ‘Mountain Pride’ has very large, attractive flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Nightshades.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: nectar attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, other insects and birds
eat the fruit and seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade.
Soil Just about any from sandy/rocky to clay; any local pH.
Water Occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2).
Fertilizer None needed but OK with light fertilizer.
Other
Management: May be difficult to establish. Other than that, quite pest-free, easy to grow.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed – relatively easy by cuttings: ??
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11-14, 20 3/29/16
© Project SOUND

2. Solanum xanti
Purple nightshade