Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) anthotype by Nan Wollman – Poisonous, avoid!

“Pretty Poison” by Nan Wollman, Tucson, Arizona, USA
Parts used: Yellow berries, semi-dry
Amount: 5 grams
Extracted by: Mashed with a spoon
Solvent: Alcohol 70% just enough to have a bit to spread
Application: Brushing

Layers: 2 or 3
Substrate: Rives BFK 250 gsm, a scrap bit from a cyanotype that didn’t work
Created with: I mashed the berries with just enough alcohol to get some liquid. Once the paper dried, I arranged some leaves of the same plant on top.
Exposure: 2 days in October 2025
UV strength: 3
Temperature: 29-33° Celsius or 85-92° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 30%
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: After two days of sun, the image began to appear, though starting earlier and allowing for a longer exposure would likely yield stronger contrast.
Additional information: Also known as white horse-nettle, tomato weed, or silver-leaved nightshade. The plant has toxic, spiny stems and contains glycoalkaloids—especially solanine—which inhibit acetylcholinesterase and affect the nervous system. It also irritates the mouth and stomach lining. The green plant and unripe fruits are most toxic, and drying does not reduce toxicity.
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Gallery: www.AlternativePhotography.com/nan-wollman