Appearance
Solanum elaeagnifolium is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 ft. (0.9 m) tall.

Foliage
Leaves are 1-3.9 in. (2.5-10 cm) long and narrow with wavy margins. The leaves and stems are covered in dense, fine, white hairs giving it a silvery appearance.

Flowers
Flowers are bright blue to purple in color and occasionally white, star-shaped, 5 petals, and 0.8-1.6 in. (20-40 mm) in diameter. Blooming occurs from spring to autumn.

Fruit
Fruits are berries found in clusters that are round, 0.4-0.6 in. (10-15 mm) in diameter, and orange-yellow at maturity. Each fruit contains 60-120 greenish-brown, smooth, 0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter seeds. Fruits are said to be poisonous, especially to livestock.

Ecological Threat
S. elaeagnifolium can be found in meadows, pastures, and plains. It is native to all U.S. states except Hawaii, Alaska, all northeastern states except Maryland, and all states north of Nebraska except Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. This plant can be toxic. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling this plant.

Citations
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
 

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• California Noxious Weeds
• Hawaii Noxious Weeds
• Michigan Noxious Weeds
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• New Invaders of the Northwest
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Washington Noxious Weeds

References