Solanum tampicense, Wetland Nightshade


Invasive Species: Solanum tampicense, Wetland Nightshade

Wetland nightshade is a sprawling, semi-woody shrub that invades wetlands in Florida. The green stems are up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) long and prickly. Leaves are alternate, to 10 in. (25 cm) long, 3 in. (7 cm) wide, wavy along the margins with prickles on the veins. The small white flowers occur in small clusters at the leaf axils from summer to fall. The fruits are small tomato-like berries that turn bright red when ripe. Wetland nightshade, being tolerant of full sun and full shade, can invade many types of wetland ecosystems such as cypress swamps and river edges. It is capable of forming extensive, dense stands that displace native vegetation. Wetland nightshade is native to the West Indies and Central America. It was recently accidentally introduced into Florida.

What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them? 


Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species

Solanales > Solanaceae > Solanum tampicense Dunal.

Synonym(s): aquatic soda apple

Solanum tampicense – USDA PLANTS Profile

Distribution Maps

Wetland nightshade – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States. (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)

Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important

Reporting This Invasive Species

What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species? 

 How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System

EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS

Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA

How to Identify

This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.

Plant

A sprawling, semi-woody shrub that invades wetlands in Florida. The green stems are up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) long and prickly.

wetland nightshade wetland nightshade
Alison Fox, University of Florida, bugwood.org Alison Fox, University of Florida, bugwood.org

Foliage

Leaves are alternate, to 10 in. (25 cm) long, 3 in. (7 cm) wide, wavy along the margins with prickles on the veins.

wetland nightshade wetland nightshade
Alison Fox, University of Florida, bugwood.org Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, bugwood.org

Flower

The small white flowers occur in small clusters at the leaf axils from summer to fall.

wetland nightshade

wetland nightshade
Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org Florida Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, bugwood.org

Fruit

The fruits are small tomato-like berries that turn bright red when ripe.

wetland nightshade wetland nightshade
Florida Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, bugwood.org Julia Scher, USDA APHIS PPQ, bugwood.org

Native Species That Resemble Wetland Nightshade

Solanum triflorum, cutleaf nightshade – Images at invasive.org

This species is native to the United States but can be considered nonnative to areas of Canada.

cutleaf nightshade Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., bugwood.org
Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, bugwood.org Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, bugwood.org

 

– Images at invasive.org

   
bugwood.org bugwood.org

 

Additional Images for Wetland Nightshade

wetland nightshade – Images at Invasive.org

 

Learning Resources for Wetland Nightshade

 

Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources

Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.

United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.

Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States – USDA Forest Service

Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules of the United States – USDA-APHIS

Global Invasive Species Database – Invasive Species Specialist Group

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants – University of Florida, IFAS