Also known as Downy Nightshade · Red Nightshade · Red-Berried Nightshade
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Hairy Nightshade (Solanum villosum) is a widespread annual herb with hairy stems and leaves, bearing small white or purplish flowers and yellow-orange berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow top inch to dry between waterings.
Well-draining, fertile soil
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed bi-weekly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
The plant contains solanine, a toxic alkaloid. Ingestion of ripe berries or other parts can cause gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Solanum villosum prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems.
Light pruning can be done anytime, while more significant shaping is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagate by seeds sown in spring, either indoors or directly in the ground after the last frost. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-ripe shoots in summer and rooted in a moist, well-draining medium.
Repot young plants annually in spring to provide fresh soil and more space. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Hairy Nightshade (Solanum villosum)
Where Hairy Nightshade (Solanum villosum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum villosum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
