Commerson’s Nightshade: An Unusual South American Garden Addition
If you’re looking to add something a little different to your garden, Commerson’s nightshade (Solanum commersonii) might just catch your eye. This lesser-known member of the nightshade family brings a touch of South American flair to temperate gardens, though it’s definitely not your typical garden center find.
What Is Commerson’s Nightshade?
Commerson’s nightshade is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Named after French botanist Philibert Commerson, this plant produces small white to pale purple flowers followed by dark berries. It’s got that slightly wild, unmanicured look that works beautifully in naturalized garden settings.
Where Does It Come From?
This nightshade is native to South America, where you’ll find it growing naturally in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. It thrives in the cooler, more temperate regions of these countries, which gives us some clues about how to grow it successfully in North American gardens.
Why You Might Want to Grow It
Here are some reasons gardeners find Commerson’s nightshade appealing:
- Unique conversation starter – not many people will recognize this plant
- Attracts small pollinators like bees and flies with its modest flowers
- Works well as ground cover in wild or naturalized garden areas
- Relatively easy to grow once established
- Interesting botanical history and connections to famous plant explorers
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give Commerson’s nightshade a try, here’s what you need to know:
Climate: This plant prefers cooler conditions and is generally hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It’s not a fan of extreme heat or prolonged drought.
Light: Partial shade to full sun works well, though some afternoon shade in hotter climates is appreciated.
Soil: Consistent moisture is key. Well-draining soil that doesn’t dry out completely is ideal.
Planting: You can grow it from seed or tubers if you can find them. Seeds should be started indoors in cooler climates and transplanted after the last frost.
What Type of Garden Works Best?
Commerson’s nightshade isn’t really suited for formal gardens or manicured landscapes. Instead, think:
- Wild or cottage-style gardens
- Naturalized areas
- Experimental or collector’s gardens
- Areas where you want to encourage biodiversity
A Few Things to Consider
Before you get too excited about growing this plant, there are a few considerations. As a non-native species, it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants would for local wildlife. If you’re interested in supporting native pollinators and birds, you might want to consider native alternatives like wild bergamot, native asters, or regional wildflowers that offer similar growing characteristics.
Also, like many plants in the nightshade family, the berries may be toxic if consumed, so keep this in mind if you have curious children or pets.
The Bottom Line
Commerson’s nightshade is one of those quirky plants that appeals to gardeners who like to try something different. It’s not going to be the showstopper of your garden, but it adds an interesting botanical element and some subtle wildlife value. Just remember that native plants will always be your best bet for supporting local ecosystems, so consider this more of a fun addition rather than a garden staple.
If you can’t find Commerson’s nightshade locally (which is likely), you might need to seek out specialty seed suppliers or botanical gardens that occasionally share seeds. Sometimes the hunt for unusual plants is half the fun of growing them!
