(Cutleaf Nightshade)

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Solanum trifolium, Along CR16 west of Yampa, Routt Co. 0225

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Solanum trifolium, Along CR16 west of Yampa, Routt Co. 0238

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Solanum trifolium, Along CR16 west of Yampa, Routt Co. 0233

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Solanum trifolium, Along CR16 west of Yampa, Routt Co. 0229

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Solanum trifolium, Along CR16 west of Yampa, Routt Co. 0242

Scientific Name Solanum triflorum USDA PLANTS Symbol SOTR
Common Name Cutleaf Nightshade ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 30461
Family Solancaceae (Nightshade) SEINet
Reference
Click here
Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 9500 ft.); usually in sandy/rocky soils; disturbed areas, roadsides, streamsides, meadows.
Plant: Prostrate to decumbent annual branched from the base; branches 4 to 16 inches long with sparse short hairs.
Leaves: Ovate to elliptic in outline, pinnatifid or deeply lobed, 0.8 to 2 inches long and 0.4 to 1.2 inches wide, individual lobes or teeth up to 0.3 inches long, acute; on petioles about 1/2-inch long; surfaces sparsely short-hairy and covered with small scale-like particles.
Inflorescence: One to 6 but usually 3 small white flowers in a group on a curved peduncle 0.2 to 0.6 inches long; white or slightly green-tinged 5-lobed corolla about 1/3-inch across, yellow, erect anthers about 1/8-inch long.
Fruit: Small round green berries 1/4 to 3/8-inch diameter; calyx lobes clasping the berry base.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, UW Burke Herbarium and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains