Purple Nightshade's thin leaves are about 2 inches long and oval in shape. The purple flower petals are complemented by yellow anthers that gather at the center. Each of the five petals has a pair of green spots surrounded by white at their base. The flowers are followed by pea-sized purple berries. The plant often has a subtle glittery or fuzzy appearance. All parts of this plant are poisonous, like most plants in this family.

Other plants in the Nightshade family that are common in the Santa Monica mountains include Jimson weed, the non-native Tree Tobacco, and White Nightshade. Purple Nightshade is one of several Solanum members which are also cultivated for ornamental uses. While most of these are poisonous, there are some edible members of Solanum: eggplant and potato.

The following closeups were taken in late December, 2005 along the Backbone Trail east of the Mishe Mokwa parking area. The wider view (above) was taken in May 2005 along Big Sur, demonstrating that this plant is not found just in the Santa Monica mountains.