Description:
There are many varieties in the Nightshade family. Most are hairy, some grow generally straight up while others sprawl. In all, flowers are white, pink, bluish or purple from ¼ inch to about ¾ inch across, usually drooping, 5 pointed with yellow stamens and pistil protruding.
Leaves are green and may be tinged with purple, complete or lobed (as cutleaf), some having smaller leaflets at the leaf base (as silverleaf or bittersweet), central vein becomes petiole.
Each flower develops into a very round fruit topped by a “cap” with 5 upturned points. The skin of the unripe fruit is often almost transparent with the seeds and cell membranes showing through. Friuts ripen as yellow, orange, red, purple or black.
Humans and all animals can die from poisoning after ingesting nightshade, all plant parts are toxic containing glycoalkaloids. Mature berries are less toxic than immature ones and cause less severe symptoms. Some ripe berries cause no harm. Green skins and eyes on potatoes are to be avoided.
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Leafy Spurge Growth Habit: Perennial, erect, up to 3' tall, spreading by seed or creeping roots. Leaves: Alternate, long, narrow, ¼" wide and 2" long, usually drooping. Flowers: Inconspicuous, surrounded by large heart shaped floral leaves which turn yellow-green near maturity.
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