Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Solanum umbelliferum
Solanum umbelliferum Eschsch.
Bluewitch Nightshade, Bluewitch, Barba De Chivo
Solanaceae (Potato Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: soum
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A rounded to spreading sub-shrub, Bluewitch grows 2-3 ft. high and is as wide or wider than its height. Greenish, woody branches bear simple, oval leaves and, in season, a profusion of small umbels of blue to blue-purple flowers. The five petals are fused together into a saucer shape with a pattern of green nectar glands on a white background at the base. This is complemented by a cone of yellow stamens.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , ORNative Distribution: Oregon and CA Coast Range foothills & interior valleys, south through Mexico to Central America as far south as Panama
Native Habitat: Dry, brush-covered slopes & valleys
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Though the main bloom period is spring and summer, some flowers will occur most of the year.
Propagation
Description: Use treated seeds or rooted layers or propagate this species.Seed Treatment: Seeds need a one hour acid or hot water treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 36 - Jepson eFlora (2019) The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Solanum umbelliferum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Solanum umbelliferum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Solanum umbelliferum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-28Research By: TWC Staff