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.

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.

Sticky Nightshade

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Solanum sisymbriifolium

Last reviewed: August 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

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Sticky Nightshade

Sticky Nightshade is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.
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.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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