Time to weed out silverleaf nightshade

With distinctive lilac flowers, silver-green leaves, small yellow prickles and berry-like fruit, silverleaf nightshade is easy to spot, but difficult to kill. It spreads through seed and root fragments, is poisonous to stock, and can significantly reduce crop yields if left uncontrolled. During summer, it competes with perennial pastures for water and nutrients.

Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board District Officer Brenten Miller said the weed is becoming more noticeable as the weather warms up.

“We’re already seeing some germinating around the region, and it’s important to get on top of control early,” Brenten said. “Silverleaf nightshade can grow in any soil type and has the potential to spread quickly if left untreated” Brenten added.

Declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, landholders are responsible for controlling this invasive weed on their properties.

Timing and technique are key to effective management of this weed.

“Control is crucial before the berries form, as the seeds can remain viable even after spraying” Brenten said. “We don’t recommend pulling plants out by hand as the roots can reach 2 metres deep and snapping them only encourages regrowth. The recommended option is chemical control, however there is also the option for mechanical removal of plants less than a year old.”

The district team are currently monitoring known infestations along priority invasion pathways and recording new locations of silverleaf nightshade, with some roadside controls now underway and further measures planned this month.”

Landholders who spot silverleaf nightshade are encouraged to contact their local Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board office for advice on best control options and access to other support.

Berri office (08) 8580 1800

Murray Bridge office (08) 8532 9100

This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board with funding from the landscape levies