How much sun does Parish's nightshade need?

Parish's nightshade grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Parish's nightshade bloom?

Parish's nightshade blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Parish's nightshade native?

Parish's nightshade (Solanum parishii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Parish's nightshade toxic to dogs?

Yes. Parish's 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 Parish's nightshade toxic to cats?

Yes. Parish's 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 Parish's nightshade attract?

Parish's nightshade draws bees.

Parish's nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solanum parishii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Parish's nightshade (Solanum parishii) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees.

Parish's 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) 426-4435 and 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 × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A sprawling, somewhat woody-based perennial nightshade with grayish, textured leaves and small purple star-shaped flowers with prominent yellow anthers. It grows loosely among shrubs on dry, rocky ground and has an informal habit.

Growing Parish's nightshade

Grow Parish's nightshade in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flowers require buzz pollination and are worked mainly by native bumble bees and other native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Parish's nightshade need?: Parish's nightshade grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Parish's nightshade bloom?: Parish's nightshade blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Parish's nightshade native?: Parish's nightshade (Solanum parishii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Parish's nightshade toxic to dogs?: Yes. Parish's 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 Parish's nightshade toxic to cats?: Yes. Parish's 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 Parish's nightshade attract?: Parish's nightshade draws 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.

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