When does Solanum xanti bloom?

Catalina nightshade typically flowers from April through July, producing clusters of star shaped purple blooms on its stems.

What pollinators visit Solanum xanti flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Catalina nightshade flowers, drawn to the open purple blossoms during the spring and summer bloom period.

How much water does Catalina nightshade need?

This shrub is adapted to low water conditions once established and does best with infrequent irrigation, similar to other chaparral and coastal scrub plants.

What growing conditions suit Solanum xanti best?

Catalina nightshade grows well in full sun to partly shaded sites with well drained soil, often on dry slopes and open chaparral or woodland edges.

Is Purple Nightshade toxic to dogs?

Yes. Purple 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 Purple Nightshade toxic to cats?

Yes. Purple 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.

Is Purple Nightshade HOA-friendly?

Purple Nightshade is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Purple Nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solanum xanti

Last reviewed: October 2026

Solanum xanti, or Catalina nightshade, is a low water chaparral shrub that blooms lavender to purple flowers from April through July in full sun to part shade gardens.

Purple Nightshade (Solanum xanti) — Photo: no rights reserved

Purple Nightshade is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.

Native swaps for a yard with pets

Purple Nightshade is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These natives fill a similar role in a planting and are not on the ASPCA toxic plant list for dogs or cats. Each plant's page carries its dated record.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Catalina nightshade is an attractive native shrub with purple-blue star-shaped flowers that bloom spring through summer. It features evergreen foliage with velvety leaves and grows into a rounded form 2-5 feet tall. This drought-tolerant perennial works well in borders or as a foundation plant.

Growing Purple Nightshade

Grow Purple Nightshade in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Nightshade is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Member of the nightshade family which some HOAs may question
Can look somewhat informal or wild without periodic pruning
May need to be kept away from high-visibility areas

Wildlife value

The bright flowers attract native bees and butterflies, making it an excellent pollinator plant. Birds may also be drawn to the small berries that follow flowering.

Common questions

When does Solanum xanti bloom?: Catalina nightshade typically flowers from April through July, producing clusters of star shaped purple blooms on its stems.
What pollinators visit Solanum xanti flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to Catalina nightshade flowers, drawn to the open purple blossoms during the spring and summer bloom period.
How much water does Catalina nightshade need?: This shrub is adapted to low water conditions once established and does best with infrequent irrigation, similar to other chaparral and coastal scrub plants.
What growing conditions suit Solanum xanti best?: Catalina nightshade grows well in full sun to partly shaded sites with well drained soil, often on dry slopes and open chaparral or woodland edges.
Is Purple Nightshade toxic to dogs?: Yes. Purple 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 Purple Nightshade toxic to cats?: Yes. Purple 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.
Is Purple Nightshade HOA-friendly?: Purple Nightshade is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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