Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Solanaceae

Genus:

Solanum

Species:

Solanum wallacei

USDA Symbol:

SOWA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Subshrub

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

feb,mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

purple, lavender, white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire, typical of Channel Islands chaparral species.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Channel Islands; prefers coastal conditions

Propagation & Germination

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with warm temperatures around 70-80°F. Fresh seed has higher viability.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI