Tropical Soda-apple
Solanum viarum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Tropical Soda-apple 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 × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
GA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Tropical soda-apple is an invasive shrub-like perennial that produces white flowers followed by small yellow fruits. This aggressive weed spreads rapidly and is extremely difficult to control once established. It is a noxious weed that should never be planted.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tropical Soda-apple 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.
- Classified as noxious invasive weed
- Illegal to plant in many areas
- Spreads aggressively and damages property values
Wildlife value
While it may attract some bees and beetles, this invasive species displaces native plants that provide much better wildlife habitat and food sources.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tropical Soda-apple need?
- Tropical Soda-apple grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tropical Soda-apple bloom?
- Tropical Soda-apple blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Tropical Soda-apple native?
- Tropical Soda-apple (Solanum viarum) is native to GA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Tropical Soda-apple toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Tropical Soda-apple 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 Tropical Soda-apple toxic to cats?
- Yes. Tropical Soda-apple 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 Tropical Soda-apple attract?
- Tropical Soda-apple draws bees and beetles.
- Is Tropical Soda-apple HOA-friendly?
- Tropical Soda-apple 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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Tropical Soda-apple and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz