Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is not a native species and has only very limited medicinal applications. It is listed here, however, since it is becoming widespread in Greece and is also toxic to humans and domestic animals. The plant itself is not unattractive and for that reason, in urban environments, it may often been seen in communal areas such as parks, near the shore and other uncultivated spaces.
The plant is native to the Americas but is now found in many other parts of the world where it is considered an invasive species. It grows very easily in poor soils either through self-seeding or via its rhizomes. Even small parts of the plant can regenerate, which makes it very hard to eradicate, so much so that it has been called a “superweed“. In fact, mowing it can not only produce pieces that can become new plants, but it also seems to stimulate existing plants to root deeper in the soil and produce “more healthy” growth.
Medicinally, the root of the silverleaf nightshade has been used by native North Americans to treat rattlesnake bites and the crushed berries have been employed for treating sore throat and toothache. Extracts of the plant have herbicidal properties and can inhibit the growth of other crops but may also have uses for the control of other pests.
