Plants in family solanaceae
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' is an heirloom tomato variety known for its large, 10-12 oz. fruits with a sweet, smoky flavor. The vigorous vines can reach over 6 feet, producing a bountiful harvest from summer to fall. This variety is cherished for its unique taste and robust growth.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Chocolate Cherry' produces 1-inch purplish-red tomatoes that are great for snacking. The prolific vines yield 6-8 crack-resistant fruits, making it a popular choice for home gardens.
Solanum evolvulifolium
Solanum evolvulifolium is a trailing vine native to Ecuador, ideal for vivariums due to its ability to adhere to backgrounds. It thrives in high humidity and moderate indirect light, making it a suitable choice for tropical-themed enclosures.
Solandra maxima 'Variegata'
Solandra maxima 'Variegata', also known as the 'Golden Chalice Vine', is a tropical vine with large, variegated leaves and striking six-inch yellow flowers with maroon stripes. The flowers emit a coconut fragrance at night, and the vine is fast-growing, suitable for landscapes, greenhouses, or conservatories.
Alkekengi officinarum
Alkekengi officinarum, commonly known as Chinese lantern, is popular for its vibrant color and unique shape, often used in dried arrangements. This plant is easy to grow and can be perennial in USDA zones 3-9, though it is sometimes grown as an annual. It spreads by self-sowing or underground roots but is toxic if ingested, so caution is advised.
Cestrum parqui
Cestrum parqui, also known as Willow-leaved jessamine, is a semi-evergreen shrub native to Chile. It can grow up to 15 feet tall in tropical climates and is known for its fragrant yellow-green flowers that bloom from early summer until the first frost. The plant emits a powerful fragrance in the evening and attracts hummingbirds. Its black, egg-shaped berries are toxic but attract birds that help disperse its seeds. Despite its use in folk medicine, it contains toxic alkaloids and is considered a noxious weed in some regions like Australia.
Solanum melongena 'Black Beauty'
Solanum melongena 'Black Beauty' is a popular eggplant variety known for its large, high-quality fruit and tender skin. It features lavender blossoms and is widely used in various international cuisines, offering a versatile addition to culinary gardens.
Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegata'
Solanum pseudocapsicum 'Variegata' is a bushy, evergreen shrub from the nightshade family, producing small orange fruit that is mildly poisonous if ingested. It enjoys full sun and regular watering, making it a vibrant addition to gardens.
Nicotiana rustica
Nicotiana rustica is a tall plant with very large leaves and unusual flower clusters, known for its fragrant flowers that bloom from late afternoon into evening. Native to South America, it contains significantly more nicotine than common tobacco and is used for producing pesticides and entheogenic purposes. This plant attracts pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, and is a larval host for certain moth species.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Ace 55'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Ace 55' is a classic heirloom tomato from the 1950s, celebrated for its excellent fresh flavor and lower acidity. The fruits are sizable, measuring 5 to 6 inches in diameter and weighing 6 to 8 ounces, with a determinate growth habit that results in a concentrated harvest period. This variety is known for its exceptional yield, making it a favorite among gardeners. It is well-suited for succession planting in regions with long growing seasons.
Capsicum chinense
Capsicum chinense is a powerfully hot chili pepper with a fruity or smoky flavor, similar to habanero. Known for its intense heat, it ranges from 100,000 to over 1,000,000 Scoville heat units. This pepper is used in various cuisines, including jerk dishes and salsas, and can be dehydrated and ground into chili flakes.
Capsicum annuum 'Numex Lemon Spice'
Capsicum annuum 'Numex Lemon Spice' is a vibrant yellow pepper developed by the Chile Pepper Institute in New Mexico. It offers a moderate heat level, ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, making it a flavorful addition to culinary dishes.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Beefsteak'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Beefsteak' is a tomato plant with vines that can grow up to 6 feet or more. It produces large fruits weighing 1-2 pounds from summer to fall. This plant requires a sturdy wire cage for support and thrives in well-drained soil.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' is a Russian heirloom tomato known for its baseball-sized, reddish-brown fruits with a rich, slightly salty flavor. This variety sets fruit well in heat and is reliable even under adverse conditions. The plants can grow over 6 feet tall, making them a robust choice for tomato enthusiasts.
Nicotiana glauca
Nicotiana glauca, or tree tobacco, is a tall perennial with glaucous blue foliage and yellow tubular flowers. It can grow over 6 feet tall and is known for its invasive nature in some regions. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and it reproduces primarily by seed.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Artisan Bumble Bee Blend'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Artisan Bumble Bee Blend' is a blend of Pink, Purple, and Sunrise Bumble Bee tomatoes, known for their striped appearance and juicy texture. These tomatoes are suitable for salads and produce big yields throughout the season, requiring support due to their size. They are also crack resistant, making them a reliable choice for gardeners.
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon'
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Carbon' is a tomato variety that combines the heirloom flavor of 'Cherokee Purple' with the early production of 'Carbon'. It produces large, purple beefsteak fruits with a rich flavor and fewer cracks and blemishes.
Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl'
Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' is a striking plant with semi-glossy, deep purple to black leaves and shiny round black fruit that turns red as it matures. Known for its extreme heat, this pepper is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant, making it a resilient choice for gardens in warm climates.
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño'
Capsicum annuum 'Early Jalapeño' is a medium-hot pepper, measuring 2,500-5,000 on the Scoville scale, and is adapted to cooler climates. The peppers can be enjoyed either green or red and grow to about 3 inches long, making them a versatile addition to culinary gardens.
Physalis philadelphica
Physalis philadelphica, essential to Mexican cuisine, is a compact plant about 24 inches tall, ideal for small spaces or containers. It yields ripe fruit nearly all at once and thrives in conditions similar to tomatoes, handling more heat. Growing two or more plants ensures good pollination.
Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarum, commonly known as mandrake, is a fascinating herbaceous perennial native to the Mediterranean region. It is renowned for its human-like roots, which have been associated with medicinal and magical properties throughout history. The plant forms a flat rosette of sandpapery green foliage and produces small lavender flowers in early spring. Its roots contain alkaloids, making them toxic, and are known to 'shriek' when pulled from the ground. Mandrake is a member of the Solanaceae family and is often found in rocky pine woods. It is a unique plant with a rich cultural history, often used in traditional herbal medicine.
Solanum uleanum
Solanum uleanum is a striking plant with brilliant purple coloration and trichomes, making it a standout in any collection. It thrives under specific conditions, such as high humidity and gentle acclimation, and is sensitive to water on its leaves. This species, part of the nightshade family, is known for its finicky rooting process and preference for base watering.
Lycium barbarum
Lycium barbarum, known for its delicious and nutrient-rich berries, is a deciduous woody shrub native to China. It grows 8-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, thriving in full sun and consistently moist, well-draining soil. The plant is self-pollinating and has been cultivated for over 600 years, used in traditional Chinese medicine and for erosion control.
Solanum tuberosum 'Clancy'
Solanum tuberosum 'Clancy' is a potato variety known for its diversity of colors and small, round, and fingerling shapes. This plant was awarded the 2019 All-America Selections award for its smooth skin in shades of rose gold and red. The potatoes have a pale yellow to white interior and a creamy texture when cooked, making them a favorite among culinary enthusiasts. The plant's ability to produce a variety of colors and shapes adds to its appeal, making it a popular choice for home gardeners.
Solanum melongena
Solanum melongena, commonly known as eggplant, is perfect for container gardening with its tidy habit and glossy, oval, purple fruits. Best harvested when 3 to 4.5 inches long, this prolific plant has a firm texture and mild flavor, ideal for roasting, frying, or glazing.
Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne'
Capsicum annuum 'Cayenne' is a prolific pepper plant known for its spicy heat, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. The peppers can be used fresh, dried, or ground, and they transition from green to red or yellow as they mature. This plant is ideal for those who enjoy adding a kick to their culinary creations.
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Solanum pseudocapsicum, also known as the Jerusalem cherry, is a nightshade species with mildly poisonous fruit. Native to Peru and Ecuador, this semi-evergreen bush can survive frosts and cold weather, living up to 10 years. It produces round red fruits similar in appearance to cherry tomatoes, containing the toxin solanocapsine. While ornamental, the fruit may cause gastric issues in humans and is potentially poisonous to cats and some birds.
Solanum aethiopicum
Solanum aethiopicum, also known as the ornamental eggplant, is notable for its pumpkin-shaped fruits that are used in Asian cooking. This plant adds a decorative touch to gardens with its unique fruit shape and vibrant color. While primarily grown for ornamental purposes, its fruits are also edible and can be incorporated into various culinary dishes.
Salpiglossis sinuata
Salpiglossis sinuata, also known as painted tongue, is a striking annual or short-lived perennial native to southern Chile. It features velvety, trumpet-shaped flowers with metallic coloration, blooming from summer until frost. The plant attracts butterflies and performs best in cool weather, making it an excellent choice for cut flowers. It thrives in full sunlight and is known for its vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms.
Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder'
Capsicum annuum 'California Wonder' is a large, uniform pepper ideal for stuffing. It turns bright red when left on the plant and contains more vitamin C than an orange. This variety performs well in containers and short-season climates, making it a versatile choice for home gardeners.