Weed of the Month: Solanum sisymbriifolium

The September weed of the month is Solanum sisymbriifolium - Sticky Nightshade

Meet September’s notorious weed: Sticky Nightshade. This invasive troublemaker is one you definitely don’t want lingering around in your garden or pasture.

Sticky Nightshade is a member of the same troublesome family as Tobacco Bush, Tropical Soda Apple, and Giant Devil’s Fig. While it has been historically used for its fruit and to lure pests away from crops, it has quickly proven to be a formidable pest itself, spreading rapidly and expanding its range.

Why is Sticky Nightshade a Problem?

Rapid Growth

It thrives in disturbed areas and can quickly spread into bushland and pasture.

Dense Stands

Forms thick clusters that hinder the movement of people and animals and can cause injuries with its sharp prickles.

Competition

Outcompetes native vegetation and disrupts cropping and harvesting efforts.

Identification Tips:

Size: Grows upright to about 1.5 meters tall.

Appearance: Hairy and prickly on all stems, leaves, and fruit. Leaves are deeply lobed (up to 15 cm long) and sticky to the touch.

Prickles: Yellow-orange and up to 1 cm long.

Flowers and Fruit: Produces white to pale blue star-shaped flowers with yellow anthers in less than 6 weeks from germination, followed by round red berries up to 20 mm wide.

Root System: Extensive, capable of reshooting from underground roots or stems that touch the soil.

Currently in flower, Sticky Nightshade must be reported to the Council’s Biosecurity Officer if spotted.

Spring Weed Control Tips:

Spring is the perfect time to identify and manage weeds before they set seed or fruit. Ochna (Mickey Mouse Plant) is also very visible now with its bright yellow flowers and should be prevented from fruiting.

For assistance with identifying and controlling weeds on your property, including promptly reporting and removing any Sticky nightshade plants, reach out to Council’s Biosecurity Officer. Get a head start before summer by referring to the weed profile on NSW WeedWise for further advice.

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