Sonoran Desert Nightshades

Desert Thorn-apple

Datura discolor

Sacred Datura

Datura wrightii

Annual with large dark green leaves and large white, purple-centered flowers. Grows along washes of lower deserts. Calyx strongly angled or winged.   Detailed Description

Large perennial with striking, very large, white flowers. Dark green leaves. Common especially near riparian habitats in the Sonoran Desert. The image is hosted at the Wikimedia Project.     Detailed Description

Silver-leaf Nighshade

Solanum eleagnifolium

Thick-leaved Ground Cherry

Physalis crassifolia

Weedy annual mostly in urban and agricultural settings in the Sonoran Desert. Stems often prickly. Purple flowers and yellow berries. Photo is hosted at Wikimedia.     Detailed Description

Low growing perennial may be found near washes or in partial shade of cliffs. Late spring to fall blooming with yellow flowers. Berry is enclosed inside a papery bract. Photo by Wikimedia User: Stan Shebs. License Information Click Here.     Detailed Description

Douglas' Nighshade

Solanum douglasii

Lobed Ground Cherry

Quncula lobata

Annual or perennial found in or near mesquite bosques or other part-shade habitats at middle and upper elevations of the Sonoran Desert. Petals white with prominent yellow stamens. Fruit a dark berry.     Detailed Description

Perennial found near damp or riparian areas. Dark green leaves. No spines. Dark purple flowers and a fruit enclosed in lantern-like calyx.     Detailed Description