Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands
Nightshade
Ma’iidą́ą́’
(a.k.a. silver nightshade, western horsenettle)
Nightshades found on the Navajo rangelands include horsenettle and silverleaf nightshade. Both are native species, but are toxic to livestock as well as to humans despite being related to tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The plants rarely grow to a height of more than three feet. The horsenettle has small thorns, which may cause mechanical injury. Flowers have five petals and are shaped like stars. The petals lie relatively flat, allowing the five yellow stamens to stand out.
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