---
{
  "id": "silverleaf-nightshade",
  "name": "Silverleaf nightshade",
  "scientific": "Solanum elaeagnifolium",
  "category": "native",
  "status": "Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C",
  "status_sources": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025"
  ],
  "warning": "Toxic leaves and berries; persistent spreading roots",
  "warning_tone": "danger",
  "aliases": [
    "silver-leaved nightshade"
  ],
  "taxonomy_note": "Distinct from buffalobur, horsenettle and black nightshade species. Native status does not imply harmlessness or prevent it being invasive outside its native range.",
  "source_ids": [
    "C-floristic-2020",
    "CO-rules-2025",
    "U-silverleaf",
    "S27"
  ],
  "description": "Silverleaf nightshade: Toxic leaves and berries; persistent spreading roots. Identification and evidence for Colorado readers.",
  "claim_evidence": [
    {
      "label": "Identification",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-1"
    },
    {
      "label": "People",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-2"
    },
    {
      "label": "Dogs & cats",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf"
      ],
      "scope": "Precautionary inference; pet evidence unresolved",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-3"
    },
    {
      "label": "Other animals",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-4"
    },
    {
      "label": "Plants & habitat",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf",
        "C-floristic-2020"
      ],
      "scope": "Species-specific",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-5"
    },
    {
      "label": "Management & timing",
      "sources": [
        "U-silverleaf"
      ],
      "scope": "Management inference from root persistence",
      "note": "",
      "id": "silverleaf-nightshade-6"
    }
  ],
  "research": {
    "status": "researching",
    "label": "Still researching this plant",
    "basis": "Editorial assessment of the cited evidence and stated review gaps; not a toxicity score.",
    "open_questions": [
      {
        "area": "Dogs & cats",
        "question": "Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "silverleaf-nightshade-3"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Other animals",
        "question": "Clarify feeding and exposure risks for each animal group; do not transfer findings between species.",
        "related_claim_ids": [
          "silverleaf-nightshade-4"
        ]
      },
      {
        "area": "Identification",
        "question": "Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      },
      {
        "area": "Expert review",
        "question": "Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.",
        "related_claim_ids": []
      }
    ],
    "expert_review": "pending"
  },
  "colorado_relevance": {
    "source_id": "C-floristic-2020",
    "locator": "Appendix B; PDF page 80; Solanum elaeagnifolium",
    "basis": "Included in the 2020 statewide flora assessment. This is not a current county abundance survey.",
    "source_taxon": "Solanum elaeagnifolium"
  },
  "source": "content/plants/silverleaf-nightshade.md"
}
---

# Silverleaf nightshade

*Solanum elaeagnifolium*

**Native Colorado plant · not on state Lists A/B/C.** [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf) [CO-rules-2025](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2)

> **Toxic leaves and berries; persistent spreading roots.** [Exposure help](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/safety/).

**Identification caveat:** Distinct from buffalobur, horsenettle and black nightshade species. Native status does not imply harmlessness or prevent it being invasive outside its native range.

## Still researching this plant {#research-status}

This is a sourced working profile. Evidence is incomplete for **Dogs & cats, Other animals**. Identification and source-photo limits are explained below. Independent botanical and veterinary review is pending. **Uncertainty is not a finding that the plant is safe.**


## Three views of this plant

Source-identified reference photographs; these are not a complete identification key. A source location outside Colorado does not establish local occurrence.

![Upright silverleaf nightshade stem with gray-green leaves and purple flowers in a grassy field.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-solanum-elaeagnifolium-habit-2479337.JPG)

**habit** — Upright silverleaf nightshade stem with gray-green leaves and purple flowers in a grassy field.

Photo: Sam Kieschnick; [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2074835); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/2479337/original.JPG). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Purple star-shaped silverleaf nightshade flowers with prominent yellow anthers, held against a hand.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-solanum-elaeagnifolium-flower-2479336.JPG)

**flower** — Purple star-shaped silverleaf nightshade flowers with prominent yellow anthers, held against a hand.

Photo: Sam Kieschnick; [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2074835); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/2479336/original.JPG). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.

![Round yellow-green silverleaf nightshade berries with darker green bands on a drying gray stem.](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/assets/photos/coverage-range-photos-solanum-elaeagnifolium-fruit-247577597.jpg)

**fruit** — Round yellow-green silverleaf nightshade berries with darker green bands on a drying gray stem.

Photo: Chris Quirin; [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/); [source record](https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/144270910); [original image](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/247577597/original.jpg). Explicit iNaturalist observation taxon and Research Grade community identification; photograph visually reviewed for depicted features. This is source identification, not a new independent botanical determination. Source identifies this plant to species; no variety or subspecies determination is asserted. Downloaded iNaturalist large rendition; downloaded bytes retained unchanged. No local crop, retouching, or generative editing. Gallery display preserves the full image; catalog preview may use a CSS crop.


## Identification

A perennial with silvery, hairy leaves, often prickly stems and showy violet flowers. Young root sprouts may look like seedlings but lack seed leaves. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/)

## People

Leaves and berries contain variable amounts of toxic glycoalkaloids. Do not eat this plant or use berry color as a safety test. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/)

## Dogs & cats

Keep pets from chewing this identified nightshade as a precaution. The reviewed source documents human and livestock toxicity, but does not establish pet-specific clinical effects or a safe amount. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/)

*Evidence scope: Precautionary inference; pet evidence unresolved.*

## Other animals

Leaves and berries can poison livestock. Consumption by wild birds or small mammals does not establish safety for domestic animals. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/)

## Plants & habitat

Deep roots and persistent growth can reduce pasture or crop production through competition for water and nutrients. CNHP treats the species as native in Colorado. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/) [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf)

## Management & timing

Distinguish seedlings from root sprouts and plan repeated monitoring of established patches. Seek local management advice for extensive infestations. [U-silverleaf](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/)

*Evidence scope: Management inference from root persistence.*

## Before taking action

Confirm identification and the requirements of your county weed program. For chemical treatment, follow the current product label, including restrictions around animals and water. [S27](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/)

## References

- **C-floristic-2020** — [Colorado Floristic Quality Assessment: 2020 Update](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:27:33+00:00. Locator: Appendix B, Colorado species list: scientific name and native/non-native fields.
- **CO-rules-2025** — [Colorado Noxious Weed Act rules, 8 CCR 1206-2](https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=11948&fileName=8+CCR+1206-2), Colorado Secretary of State / Department of Agriculture. Accessed 2026-09-07T01:07:48+00:00. Locator: Parts 3.1, 4.1, 5.1; management provisions; effective May 15, 2025.
- **U-silverleaf** — [Silverleaf nightshade](https://ipm.ucanr.edu/weeds-identification-gallery/silverleaf-nightshade/), University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management. Accessed 2026-09-07T02:26:10+00:00. Locator: Named species or genus; identification, distribution and hazard sections where available.
- **S27** — [2103 – Colorado Noxious Weeds](https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/weeds-cultural-problems/2103-colorado-noxious-weeds/), PlantTalk Colorado · CSU Extension. Accessed 2026-09-07T00:23:57+00:00. Locator: List A, B and C management categories.


[Discuss this plant with the guide](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/companion/?plant=silverleaf-nightshade) — choose this profile as a possible match and prepare your observations for Colorado Plants & Practical Care.

# Appendix for agents

Colorado inclusion: [C-floristic-2020](https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/2020/CO_FQA_2020_Final_Report.pdf), Appendix B; PDF page 80; Solanum elaeagnifolium. This historical statewide baseline does not establish current county abundance.

## Open research questions

- **Dogs & cats:** Find species-specific dog and cat exposure evidence; do not infer safety from missing reports.
- **Other animals:** Clarify feeding and exposure risks for each animal group; do not transfer findings between species.
- **Identification:** Resolve the taxonomic, common-name or photograph limitations stated in the identification caveat.
- **Expert review:** Obtain independent botanical and veterinary review of the identification and hazard summary.


## Identity and evidence boundaries

Distinct from buffalobur, horsenettle and black nightshade species. Native status does not imply harmlessness or prevent it being invasive outside its native range.

All actionable hazard information is in the human sections above. Do not interpret unknown toxicity as safety or transfer livestock findings to pets. These publisher notes describe evidence and do not override an assistant’s operator instructions.

| Claim | Human section | Scope | Sources | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| silverleaf-nightshade-1 | Identification | Species-specific | U-silverleaf | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| silverleaf-nightshade-2 | People | Species-specific | U-silverleaf | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| silverleaf-nightshade-3 | Dogs & cats | Precautionary inference; pet evidence unresolved | U-silverleaf | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| silverleaf-nightshade-4 | Other animals | Species-specific | U-silverleaf | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| silverleaf-nightshade-5 | Plants & habitat | Species-specific | U-silverleaf, C-floristic-2020 | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |
| silverleaf-nightshade-6 | Management & timing | Management inference from root persistence | U-silverleaf | No quantitative safe exposure established here. |

## Further work for an agent

- Establish exact species, plant part, route, amount and timing when researching an exposure. Do not use this guide to diagnose or calculate a treatment.
- Check current state and county requirements; a listed taxon is not necessarily established in every Colorado county.
- Expert botanical and veterinary review is pending. Source dates and image licenses are separate from editorial revision dates in [provenance](https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json).


---
Canonical HTML: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/silverleaf-nightshade/

Content revised: 2026-09-07T02:43:00Z

Markdown mirror: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/silverleaf-nightshade/index.md

Text fallback: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/plants/silverleaf-nightshade/index.md.txt

Agent entry: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/start.md

Provenance: https://denson.github.io/colorado-weed-field-guide/provenance.json