Description

This rare nightshade grows on the northern Channel Islands and Guadalupe Island. Compared to the handful of other native nightshades in California it is notably green and leafy, much like the domesticated tomato. Catalina nightshade grows as an expanding patch of upright stems with large apple-green leaves. In spring, the flowers appear with purple petals and yellow centers. The round berries ripen from green to purple. Catalina nightshade prefers shade to partial shade. A site with morning sun and afternoon shade would be appropriate. Occasional summer water after the plant is established might help keep it green. Otherwise it will go deciduous in dry conditions.