wetland nightshade: Solanum tampicense (Solanales: Solanaceae): Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States

wetland nightshade	USDA PLANTS Symbol: SOTA3 U.S. Nativity: Exotic Habit: Vines Shrub or Subshrub
Solanum tampicense Dunal

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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Solanales: Solanaceae
Synonym(s): aquatic soda apple
Native Range: Mexico, So. Amer. (GRIN)
Appearance Solanum tampicense is a sprawling, semi-woody shrub that invades wetlands in Florida. The green stems are up to 15 ft. (4.6 m) long and prickly. Foliage Leaves are alternate, to 10 in. (25 cm) long, 3 in. (7 cm) wide, wavy along the margins and have prickles on the veins. Flowers Solanum tampicense has small, white flowers occur in small clusters at the leaf axils during the summer to fall. Fruit The fruits are small tomato-like berries that turn bright red when ripe. Ecological Threat Solanum tampicense, being tolerant of full sun and full shade, can invade many types of wetland ecosystems such as cypress swamps and river edges. It is capable of forming extensive, dense stands that displace native vegetation. It is native to the West Indies and Central America. It was accidentally introduced into Florida. The ability of Solanum tampicense to form dense thickets that are difficult for other species to penetrate suggests this noxious weed has the potential to invade and alter many of Florida’s wetland habitats as well as impede access to and use of water resources (Fox and Wigginton, 1996; Fox and Bryson, 1998)

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources

Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States - USDA Forest Service
Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules of the U.S. - USDA-APHIS

Selected Images from Invasive.org

View All Images at Invasive.org

Infestation; along riverbank Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Plant(s); stems and leaves with recurved prickles Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Feature(s); cluster of berries and typical leaf Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Plant(s); Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Plant(s); Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Plant(s); with flower and fruit Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Plant(s); Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Foliage; Stems and leaves with recurved prickles Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources:

Alabama Invasive Plant Council

Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List

WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States