Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) The Solanaceae Family has been highly cultivated over the years - it includes potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet peppers, chili peppers (but not black pepper), tobacco and petunias. Some plants have great medicinal value, some are quite poisonous. The calyx and corolla are 5-lobed, and usually there are 5 stamens. The fruit is partitioned into 2 or 4 seed-producing divisions, and may be dry or a fleshy berry. Identification of the nightshades can be really confusing - the same plant, when keyed out, will often lead to two different identities. Two species are definitely known on Montara Mountain: Forked Nightshade (Solanum furcatum) and Blue Witch (Solanum umbelliferum).

The other nightshades may include: Solanum americanum (Smallflower Nightshade) Solanum douglasii (Douglas Nightshade) Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade) Solanum sarrachoides (Hairy Nightshade)

These are covered in the entry Solanum sp. (Nightshades) which also holds the images I couldn't tie to one species but show traits common to all.

Solanum sp: Nightshades (various) Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Flowers: White to white-lavender to pink/blue, with yellow centers; five petals sometimes bent back tomato-like, in branched or single loose racemes or umbels. Blooms: February - October. Leaves: Triangular, gently lobed or toothed, sometimes smooth; in pairs. Fruit/Seeds: Small green - black balls. Location: All trails and areas. Status: Alien Inavsive or Native - Common. CAUTION: These plants are POISONOUS	Solanum sp Note the swept back petals, with distinct lavender marks and yellow centers on clustered flowers; this could be S. furcatum with a different coloring variation, or it might not. 600x450 JPEG - 36K
The Native and Alien species of nightshade are very similar. Patches near residential areas are very often one of the european varieties. Solanum americanum (Smallflower Nightshade) (Alien) has very small flowers (3 - 6 mm wide) and glossy fruit; Solanum douglasii (Douglas Nightshade) (Native) has larger flowers that do not fold back; Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade) (Alien) has shorter anthers and is a smaller plant; Forked Nightshade (S. furcatum) (Alien) usually has a branched inflourescence with 2 umbel-like flower clusters; Hairy Nightshade (S. sarrachoides) (Alien) is , well, hairy with yellow fruit.
Image above shows distinct lavender/pink flower coloration, along with smooth leaves. This variety, whatever it is, is very susceptible to the mold-like growth seen in this image.	Image above shows the usual berry; green when first developing, and ripening to dark purple or black. Note the un-lobed leaves on this variety. 600x450 JPEG - 28K

Solanum furcatum: Forked Nightshade Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Flowers: White to white-lavender with yellow centers; five petals bent back tomato-like, usually in double-branched, loose racemes or umbels. Blooms: February - October. Leaves: Triangular, gently lobed or toothed, in pairs. Fruit/Seeds: Small green - black balls. Location: All trails and areas. Status: Alien Inavsive - Common.	Solanum furcatum Note the swept back petals and yellow centers on clustered flowers. 600x450 JPEG - 36K
	Caution: This plant is Poisonous. Further description & Comment: Bushy growth, 2 - 4 feet tall. Some plants in damp, sheltered spots will bloom as early as January. The forked feature is easiest seen later in the year when the berries develop on the distinctly forked pedicles. Plants that seem frustratingly similar but "not quite right" are covered in Solanum sp. (Nightshades).

Solanum umbelliferum: Blue Witch Solanaceae (Nightshade Family) Flowers: On top of stems; purple- blue with yellow centers, six petals with a little spike on the tip of each. Closes up at night. Up to 1 inch across. Blooms: February - September. Leaves: Dark green, oval, untoothed. 1 -2 inches long. Fruit/Seeds: Green balls, hanging in clusters. August - September. Location: All trails and areas. Status: Native - Common.   Caution: This plant is Poisonous!

Solanum umbelliferum 450x600 JPEG - 36K

600x450 JPEG - 36K

Further description & Comment: 1 - 3 ft tall; shrubby. Green stems with small, forked hairs. Blue witch is also a commonly used name for any blue - violet Solanum: S. xanti (or Blue Nightshade) is a central California relative sometimes found in the Bay Area. S. dulcamara (sometimes called Bittersweet) is a european variety with blue flowers similar in shape to Forked Nightshade (Solanum furcatum).

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