Family: Solanaceae
Author: Eschsch.
Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Imp. Sci. St. Pétersbourg Hist. Acad. 10: 283 (1826)
Year: 1826
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Solanum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SW. Oregon to NW. Mexico
Description
The Bluewitch nightshade, scientifically known as Solanum umbelliferum, is a vibrant member of the Solanaceae family. This intriguing plant garnered its earliest academic mention in historical literature in 1826, as documented in the Mémoires de l’Académie Impériale des Sciences de Saint-Pétersbourg by Eschscholtz.
A native species thriving predominantly from the southwestern region of Oregon through northwestern Mexico, Bluewitch nightshade is adapted to a range of habitats in this vast geographic corridor. This includes coastal sage scrub and chaparral ecosystems, where it often showcases its distinctive, eye-catching blue-violet flowers. These blossoms typically appear in abundant clusters, making a striking contrast against the plant’s green, ovate leaves.
The plant’s considerable resilience and beauty render it a significant feature of the regions it inhabits. It plays an important ecological role, acting as a source of nourishment and habitat for a variety of pollinator species and other wildlife. While the Bluewitch nightshade adds to the aesthetic and biological diversity of its environment, one should exercise caution given that some members of the Solanaceae family can have toxic properties.
In essence, Solanum umbelliferum is a noteworthy species both in scientific study and natural beauty, flourishing across a range extending from Southwest Oregon to Northwest Mexico.
Common Names
Eng: bluewitch nightshade
En: Bluewitch nightshade
Synonyms
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Feb 27, 2021 by Kim Bott (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Akrichen Kioll (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by bill oconnor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 13, 2021 by Huaman Espinoza Claudia (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 25, 2017 by Chantal Rian (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 12, 2014 by EOL − Michael Hanrahan (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 4, 2016 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jun 29, 2014 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:821365-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932678)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Solanum umbelliferum Eschsch.)