Sticky Nightshade
Solanum sisymbriifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sticky 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) 426-4435and 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"–48" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
SC
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Sticky nightshade is a thorny annual wildflower that grows 2-4 feet tall with white to pale purple flowers from summer through fall. This South American native has become naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States. The plant has a somewhat sprawling habit and produces small orange berries after flowering.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sticky Nightshade takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Thorny stems pose safety concerns
- Can spread aggressively and look weedy
- Non-native species may be prohibited
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season from June through September. Birds may eat the small orange fruits that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sticky Nightshade need?
- Sticky Nightshade grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sticky Nightshade bloom?
- Sticky Nightshade blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Sticky Nightshade native?
- Sticky Nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) is native to SC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Sticky Nightshade toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Sticky 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 Sticky Nightshade toxic to cats?
- Yes. Sticky 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 Sticky Nightshade attract?
- Sticky Nightshade draws bees and beetles.
- Is Sticky Nightshade HOA-friendly?
- Sticky Nightshade takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
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