Cut-leaf Nightshade
Solanum triflorum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cut-leaf Nightshade 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
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cut-leaf nightshade is a low-growing annual with deeply divided leaves and small white flowers that bloom through summer into fall. This drought-tolerant native thrives in sunny locations and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cut-leaf Nightshade takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Common name includes 'nightshade' which raises concerns
- Can appear weedy and unstructured
- Annual nature means gaps in plantings
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees and beetles during the long blooming period from June through September.
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 Cut-leaf Nightshade and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.