Bluewitch nightshade
Solanum umbelliferum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Bluewitch nightshade is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, OR
Pollinators
bumble bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA sprawling, gray-green shrub with star-shaped purple-blue flowers with a bright yellow center, typical of the nightshade family. It grows in chaparral and coastal scrub, blooming over a long winter-to-spring season. All parts of the plant, including the berries, are toxic if eaten.
Wildlife value
Its flowers require buzz pollination and are worked mainly by bumble bees, which vibrate the anthers to release pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bluewitch nightshade need?
- Bluewitch nightshade grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Bluewitch nightshade bloom?
- Bluewitch nightshade blooms in February, March, April, and May.
- Where is Bluewitch nightshade native?
- Bluewitch nightshade (Solanum umbelliferum) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bluewitch nightshade toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Bluewitch nightshade is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Bluewitch nightshade toxic to cats?
- Yes. Bluewitch nightshade is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Bluewitch nightshade attract?
- Bluewitch nightshade draws bumble bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bluewitch nightshade and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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