Comparison Chart for Species of Solanum
(See also Similar Species of Lycium & Physalis)

Character

Solanum
americanum

Solanum
dimidiatum

Solanum
elaeagnifolium

Solanum
nigrum

seed length,
hilum shape,
hilum length,
other

0.8–1.6 mm
linear
(0.2)0.4–0.6 mm

3–4(5) mm
elliptic, ovate
1–2 mm
tan seed color

2.5–3.5 mm
elliptic, ovate
0.5–0.9 mm
shiny, granular surface

(1.5)1.7–2.5 mm
linear
0.2–0.3 mm

Character

Solanum
physalifolium

Solanum
triflorum

Solanum
umbelliferum

Solanum
xanti

seed length,
hilum shape,
hilum length

1.8–2.3 mm
linear
(0.5)0.6–0.8 mm

(2)2.5–3 mm
linear
0.8–1 mm

(1.6)1.8–2.3 mm
elliptic, ovate
0.6–0.8 mm

1.5–2 mm
elliptic, ovate
0.5–0.8 mm

Note: It may not be possible to distinguish these species based on the seed alone.