NEW!! Buffalobur Nightshade
NEW FOR 2025!!!
Solanum rostratum - Annual
Oh boy this is a killer plant! This beautiful flower is mean as it can be, mean, mean, mean! There is so much to be afraid of with this plant but it makes you pull over on the side of the road to witness its glory. Spikes, spines, pokeys, pricklies, thorns, ouch! There are no spines on the leaves, only on the stems and seed pods. Oh, and it's toxic to humans and livestock. But not ground feeding birds, doves and quail love the seeds!
It's native to hot places in Colorado - it really likes it hot and dry. I found it between 5-6,000' in full sun just covering a field. It grows up to about 7,000'.
After it's dried and the seed pods open, it detaches from the ground like a tumbleweed to disperse its seed. Oh but it's so beautiful!
You need to plant this in HEAT and SUN and somewhere where it won't hurt you. This thing puts Prickly Poppy to shame.
However, I still think it's a valuable plant. I had to ask my friend Panayoti Kelaidis to be sure I could offer it. He said, and I quote, "I like it! I see no reason why you cannot offer it." Okey dokey.
You can cut it down before it sets seed to control it.
Sow in spring, when the soil is warm. Once it's growing, let it dry out between waterings. Very beautiful - really, not scary at all....