How to Identify Solanaceae — Nightshade Family
Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Solanales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 366 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.
Representative Solanaceae Species
Physalis virginiana Mill.
Physalis virginiana Mill.
Physalis virginiana Mill. (Virginia groundcherry) is an 8-12 inch tall plant wit…
Solanum nemophilum F.Muell.
Solanum nemophilum F.Muell.
Solanum nemophilum is a prickly rare Australian shrub that bears purple star-sha…
Capsicum annuum L.
Capsicum annuum L.
Capsicum annuum L. is a widely cultivated pepper with variable forms, used for f…
Goetzea elegans Wydler
Goetzea elegans Wydler
Goetzea elegans is an endangered endemic Puerto Rican flowering plant in the nig…
Nicotiana glauca Graham
Nicotiana glauca Graham
Nicotiana glauca is a poisonous, often invasive woody plant native to South Amer…
⚠️ Poisonous
Cestrum fasciculatum (Schltdl.) Miers
Cestrum fasciculatum (Schltdl.) Miers
Cestrum fasciculatum is a gangly evergreen shrub over two meters tall with purpl…
Physalis acutifolia (Miers) Sandwith
Physalis acutifolia (Miers) Sandwith
Physalis acutifolia, sharpleaf groundcherry, is an annual nightshade native to t…
Physalis hederifolia A.Gray
Physalis hederifolia A.Gray
Physalis hederifolia (ivyleaf groundcherry) is a nightshade native to southweste…
Solanum tuberosum L.
Solanum tuberosum L.
Solanum tuberosum (potato) is an herbaceous perennial with toxic glycoalkaloids …
⚠️ Poisonous
Hyoscyamus aureus L.
Hyoscyamus aureus L.
Hyoscyamus aureus L. is a sticky sprawling perennial with golden yellow purple-t…
Solanum campylacanthum Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Solanum campylacanthum Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Solanum campylacanthum is a common poisonous flowering nightshade widespread acr…
⚠️ Poisonous
Solanum pimpinellifolium L.
Solanum pimpinellifolium L.
Solanum pimpinellifolium is an edible wild tomato species native to Ecuador and …
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify Solanaceae?
Solanaceae plants belong to the Solanales order in the Plantae kingdom. Browse the 366 species gallery above for visual identification references. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.
What are the key characteristics of Solanaceae?
Solanaceae is classified in the order Solanales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 366 accepted species worldwide.
⚠️ Are any Solanaceae species poisonous?
Yes, some Solanaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Solanaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.
Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer
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