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Twoleaf Nightshade

The FLEPPC, (Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council), considers Twoleaf Nightshade to be a category II invasive exotic plant. FLEPPC defines Category II invasive exotics as those that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities. It is recommended that you remove Twoleaf Nightshade when you discover it in your yard.

Twoleaf Nightshade, (Solanum diphyllum), attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It is an upright shrub that grows 3-6′ tall and has alternating leaves with one larger than the other on mature plants. White to lavender fragrant flowers produce fruit that is orange when ripe.

Native to Mexico and Central America, the Twoleaf Nightshade is an exotic that relies on birds to play an important role in seed dispersal. These shrubs can be found in disturbed areas, flood plains, roadsides, hardwood forests, hammocks, and a shady spot in your yard.