Canker-berry
Solanum bahamense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Canker-berry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Canker-berry is a medium-sized native shrub with small white flowers that bloom for most of the growing season. This evergreen plant produces small berries and maintains a relatively compact, rounded form in full sun conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canker-berry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Belongs to nightshade family which may raise concerns
- Can appear somewhat weedy or informal
- Berry production may be viewed as messy
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts bees and beetles throughout spring and summer. Birds feed on the small berries produced after flowering.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database 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 Canker-berry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.