skip to main content

Northwestern Gardening

Trying to ID a Solanum

18 years ago

Ok, here's the deal. I have no pics and not ever a clear memory of the the leaf pattern, but last October I spotted a 5' plant that had volunteered by the sidewalk next to Jungle Fever Exotics in Tacoma. The 5-petaled flowers (blue or lavender) and pepper-like seed pods (about 1.5" long) pointed strongly to the solanum family. All I remember about the foliage was it was vaguely similar to marijuana.

Not a great deal to go on, but does this description give anyone insight into which solanum this might be?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

JAYK
18 years ago
Solanum laciniatum? Easy grower, and typically self seeds just like a tomato.

Here is a link that might be useful: S. laciniatum
Patrick888
Original Author
18 years ago
Jay, I think you've nailed it, thanks! I read info on more sites and it could be either S. laciniatum or S. aviculare. Both are commonly called Kangaroo Paw and are closely related...possibly just different varieties of the same species. I would have guessed the plant to be an annual, but sounds like it's a tender perennial/shrub...surviving future winters better if it makes it thru its 1rst one.
Related Professionals
Dayton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Amherst Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hempstead Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Glenwood Springs Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Seattle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Gainesville Landscape Contractors · Elizabethtown Landscape Contractors · Beaumont Landscape Contractors · Taunton Landscape Contractors · Bend Landscape Contractors · Somerset Architects & Building Designers · Stamford Architects & Building Designers · Newburyport Architects & Building Designers · Saint Marys Architects & Building Designers · Scottsbluff Architects & Building Designers
Patrick888
Original Author
18 years ago
Guess it's past my bedtime....I just realized I referenced the common name, Kangaroo Paw, instead of what I really meant: Kangaroo Apple! I am familiar with Kangaroo Paw, so that was sorta like a freudian slip...sorry 'bout that!

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Ideas to Try in Your Garden This Year

By Annie Thornton

These gardening stories were tops among Houzz readers. Which ideas might you try this year?

COLOR 12 Tried-and-True Paint Colors for Your Walls

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Discover one pro designer's time-tested favorite paint colors for kitchens, baths, bedrooms and more

HOUSEKEEPING Got a Disastrously Messy Area? Try Triage

By Alison Hodgson

Get your priorities straight when it comes to housekeeping by applying an emergency response system

BATHROOM DESIGN Bath Style: Ready to Try a Larger Tile?

By Debbie Snider

Large-Format Rectangular Tiles GIve a Bathroom a Fresh New Look

LIFE Stressed Out? Try Hitting the Woodshop

By Mitchell Parker

Building things with your hands just might boost your mood while giving you personal new pieces for your home

WALL TREATMENTS Tempted to Try Wallpaper? 10 Tips for Finding the Right Pattern

By Laura Gaskill

Before you lay down a lot of cash, sit down with this advice for getting a wallpaper you’ll love for years

UPHOLSTERY Seeking a Quiet, Relaxed Spot? Try Upholstering Your Walls

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Upholstery can envelop an entire room, a framed panel or a single wall. See some design options and learn what to expect

KITCHEN DESIGN Try a Copper Sink for a Warm Glow in the Kitchen

By Rachel Grace

Bring polish and patina to your kitchen with a sink done in endlessly interesting copper

DECORATING GUIDES Give This Style the Old College Try

By Becky Harris

10 ways to evoke the collegiate aesthetic at home, from subtle to seriously fanatical

KITCHEN DESIGN Love to Bake? Try These 13 Ideas for a Better Baker's Kitchen

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Whether you dabble in devil's food cake or are bidding for a bake-off title, these kitchen ideas will boost your baking experience

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Columbus' Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

Ostrich ferns invasive ?

4

Fungus, disease or overwatering?

6

Showy Plants for Shade Garden?

4

Kiwi Series Hebe

7

Hibiscus Plnats

1