11 Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants

Sheri Dorn is a versatile homesteader and culinary artist with a strong focus on organic and heirloom gardening. Holding a Master's degree in Culinary Arts, she combines her love for cooking and gardening in a unique way. Sheri is an active contributor to online gardening communities and enjoys quality outdoor time with her family and pets.
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Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants can be quite deceiving and it is important to know which is which!

Tomatoes have plenty of look-alikes in the botanical kingdom, which is why it is essential to know about weeds that look like tomato plants to ensure you have the right one in your garden!


Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants

1. Black Nightshade

Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants

Botanical Name: Solanum nigrum

The Black Nightshade is a poisonous plant often confused with edible nightshades due to their similar appearance. The leaves can confuse you at the early stages of the growth.

2. Jamaican Nightshade

Weed That Resemble Tomato Plants

Botanical Name: Solanum jamaicense
The Jamaican Nightshade fruits can make you scratch your heads, especially when they are at the early stages of development as they look like tomatoes so much!

3. Red Soda Apple

Unusual Plants That Remind Us of Tomatoes

Botanical Name: Solanum viarum

This toxic plant may look like tomatoes from a distance but beware! Eating them in large quantities can cause upset stomach.

4. Litchi Tomato

litchi Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants
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Botanical Name: Solanum sisymbriifolium
A great tomato substitute, it has a similar growing pattern and looks so much like the plant, you will be hard pressed to tell any difference!

5. Tropical Soda Apple

Tropical soda apple Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants
powo.science

Botanical Name: Solanum viarum Dunal

The Tropical Soda Apple is an invasive weed native to South America. The fruits have a yellow color, which can confuse anyone!

6. Pepino Dulce

pepino Dulce Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants

Botanical Name: Solanum muricatum

A small, sweet fruit native to South America and often used in desserts. You can grow it alongside tomatoes to have a variety in the kitchen!

7. Physalis

Adopting a Tomato Plant-Like Look

Botanical Name: Physalis peruviana
The plant looks like a tomato from a distance, especially when the fruits are not ripe and are green in color. Once ripe, they take a yellow hue with bands on the outer skin.

8. Carolina Wolfberry

carolina Wolfberry Weed That Resemble Tomato Plants

Botanical Name: Lycium carolinianum

The Carolina Wolfberry is a small, edible berry that is native to the southeastern United States. Its red fruits look ditto like tomatoes!

9. Horse Nettle

horse Nettle Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants

Botanical Name: Solanum carolinense
Another member of the nightshade family, this is a posionous weed and no matter how much it tempts you to pick the fruit and try it, stay away!

10. Tamarillo

Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants 14

Botanical Name: Solanum betaceum

The Tamarillo is a tropical fruit with a tangy, sweet flavor that is often used in jams and chutneys. A great substitute for tomatoes for sure!

11. Currant Tomato

Weeds that Look like Tomato Plants 1

Botanical Name: Solanum pimpinellifolium

This tomato like plant is native to  South America. It is just smaller in size but shares all the attributes with tomatoes. Taste and shape, included!

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