Solanum
- Description
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This is a large diverse genus in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) with up to 1.500 species of annuals and perennials, vines, subshrubs, shrubs and small trees that are found nearly worldwide. The species S. dulcamara contains three important food crops: the tomato, potato and eggplant DNA testing of this genus will lead to further changes in the subgenera and sections.
Growth requirements vary depending on the species. Most will need full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils. Propagation is from seeds or root cuttings or tubers.
The flowers are 5-petalled white or blue flowers with prominent stamens and the leaves vary in size and shape per species. Some have edible fruits and some have edible tubers. Several are considered too toxic for humans and many should be kept away from pets.
Use edible species in the garden and others are used as ornamentals.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Beetles, aphids and nematodes are pests to watch for. Diseases are wilts and blights
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- S. americanum, S. carolinense, S. dulcamara, S. laxum, S. lycopersicum, S. melongena, S. nigrum, S. pseudocapsicum, S. tuberosum, S. viarum
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- S. americanum, S. carolinense, S. dulcamara, S. laxum, S. lycopersicum, S. melongena, S. nigrum, S. pseudocapsicum, S. tuberosum, S. viarum
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Solanum
- Family:
- Solanaceae
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Edible
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
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Fruit:
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Fleshy fruits vary per species
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Blue or white 5-petalled flowers with prominent stamens
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Entire
- Lobed
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves can be alternate and petiolate or sessile. The blade is simple or pinnately compound with margins entire, dentate, or toothed to pinnately lobed or divided.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems are erect to prostrate or twining and branched with or without hairs.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
