Qm solanum xanti

Purple Nightshade/ Blue Witch – Solanum xanti (so-LAN-num ZAN-tee) Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Native to: Southwestern U.S. including Ca west of the Sierras & foothills of desert mountains; in coastal sage scrub & chaparral. Growth characteristics: perennial or sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft. Semi- evergreen perennial or sub-shrub (base becomes woody). Shape mounded to sprawling. Thin, oval leaves with a silvery gleam due to leaf hairs (trichomes). May become summer-dormant. NOTE: all parts of this plant are poisonous to humans & animals if eaten/ingested. Blooms/fruits: Blooms from late winter through spring and even summer – generally from March to May. Deep violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens. The flower is typical of nightshades, but large (to 1 inch) and intensely colored. Flowers have a wonderful sweet scent – like violets but better! Fruits are pea-sized purple-brown berries (which may be poisonous). Uses in the garden: Often used as a scented plant in water-wise gardens. Flowers very attractive in color – a showy perennial for mid- to back-bed areas. Long bloom season with occasional water. Nice addition to habitat gardens. Does well under oaks and other summer-dry trees. Nice container plant. Cultivar ‘Navajo Creek’ has dark flowers & crinkled leaves; ‘Salmon Creek’ has dark flowers and leaves. Cultivar ‘Mountain Pride’ has very large, attractive flowers. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Nightshades. Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: nectar attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, other insects and birds eat the fruit and seeds. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun to part-shade. Soil Just about any from sandy/rocky to clay; any local pH. Water Occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2). Fertilizer None needed but OK with light fertilizer. Other Management: May be difficult to establish. Other than that, quite pest-free, easy to grow. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed – relatively easy by cuttings: ?? Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11-14, 20 3/29/16 © Project SOUND

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Transcript of Qm solanum xanti

Purple Nightshade/ Blue Witch – Solanum xanti (so-LAN-num ZAN-tee)

Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Native to: Southwestern U.S. including Ca west of the Sierras & foothills of desert mountains; in coastal sage scrub & chaparral. Growth characteristics: perennial or sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft. Semi-evergreen perennial or sub-shrub (base becomes woody). Shape mounded to sprawling. Thin, oval leaves with a silvery gleam due to leaf hairs (trichomes). May become summer-dormant. NOTE: all parts of this plant are poisonous to humans & animals if eaten/ingested. Blooms/fruits: Blooms from late winter through spring and even summer – generally from March to May. Deep violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens. The flower is typical of nightshades, but large (to 1 inch) and intensely colored. Flowers have a wonderful sweet scent – like violets but better! Fruits are pea-sized purple-brown berries (which may be poisonous). Uses in the garden: Often used as a scented plant in water-wise gardens. Flowers very attractive in color – a showy perennial for mid- to back-bed areas. Long bloom season with occasional water. Nice addition to habitat gardens. Does well under oaks and other summer-dry trees. Nice container plant. Cultivar ‘Navajo Creek’ has dark flowers & crinkled leaves; ‘Salmon Creek’ has dark flowers and leaves. Cultivar ‘Mountain Pride’ has very large, attractive flowers. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Nightshades. Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: nectar attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, other insects and birds eat the fruit and seeds. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun to part-shade. Soil Just about any from sandy/rocky to clay; any local pH. Water Occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2). Fertilizer None needed but OK with light fertilizer. Other Management: May be difficult to establish. Other than that, quite pest-free, easy to grow. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed – relatively easy by cuttings: ?? Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11-14, 20 3/29/16