Potato Tree Facts: What It Is and What It Isn't

Potatoes don't grow on trees—the term “potato tree” refers to ornamental Solanum species like Solanum jasminoides or Solanum crispum, which are flowering vines in the nightshade family, not actual potato producers. These plants feature star-shaped flowers but contain toxic compounds unlike edible potato tubers.

Debunking the Potato Tree Myth: What You Actually Grow in Your Garden

Many gardeners search for “potato trees” expecting a tree that produces potatoes, only to discover a frustrating reality: potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) grow as underground tubers on herbaceous vines, not trees. This confusion stems from common names given to unrelated ornamental plants. Let's clarify what “potato tree” really means and how to successfully grow these beautiful but misunderstood plants.

Your First Question Answered: Why Potatoes Don't Grow on Trees

The potato plant belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers—all herbaceous plants with soft stems. Unlike fruit trees with woody structures, potato plants die back to the ground after harvest. The edible portion develops as underground tubers through specialized stem swellings called stolons. No botanical variety of potato grows on trees—this is a persistent gardening myth.

What Gardeners Call “Potato Trees”: Solanum Species Explained

When nurseries or gardeners refer to “potato trees,” they're typically describing one of two ornamental vines:

• Solanum jasminoides (Potato Vine): A vigorous climber with delicate white or purple star-shaped flowers and small green berries
• Solanum crispum (Chilean Potato Tree): Features fragrant blue-violet flowers and grows as a semi-woody shrub

Both belong to the same botanical family as edible potatoes but do not produce edible tubers. These plants earned their “potato” nickname due to superficial leaf similarities and their membership in the Solanum genus. Understanding this distinction prevents dangerous confusion—while potato tubers are safe when properly prepared, these ornamental varieties contain toxic glycoalkaloids throughout the plant.

Characteristic	Edible Potato (Solanum tuberosum)	Ornamental “Potato Tree” (Solanum jasminoides/crispum)
Plant Type	Herbaceous annual vine	Perennial climbing vine or shrub
Edible Parts	Tubers (underground)	None—entire plant toxic
Flowers	White/purple, insignificant	Prominent star-shaped (white/purple/blue)
Growing Season	100-120 days (annual)	Perennial in zones 8-10
Toxicity	Tubers safe; greens toxic	All parts highly toxic

Growing Ornamental Potato Vines: A Practical Guide

If you're interested in cultivating these attractive plants (properly called potato vines), follow these science-backed guidelines from horticultural experts at the Royal Horticultural Society:

Climate and Location Requirements

These South American natives thrive in Mediterranean climates (USDA zones 8-10) but can grow as annuals elsewhere. They require:

• Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sunlight)
• Well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0
• Protection from temperatures below 25°F (-4°C)

Planting and Maintenance Schedule

For optimal growth of your Solanum jasminoides or crispum:

1. Spring planting: After last frost, space plants 3-5 feet apart with support structures
2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy (1-1.5 inches weekly)
3. Fertilizing: Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer monthly during growing season
4. Pruning: Cut back by one-third in early spring to encourage bushier growth

Critical Safety Information: Why You Shouldn't Eat “Potato Tree” Berries

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources warns that all parts of ornamental Solanum species contain solanine and chaconine—toxic glycoalkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms if ingested. Unlike edible potatoes where toxins concentrate in sprouts and green skin, these ornamental varieties maintain high toxicity levels throughout the plant year-round. Keep these plants away from children and pets, and never attempt to eat any part of the plant.

Common Mistakes When Growing “Potato Trees”

Based on data from the American Horticultural Society's 2024 gardening survey, these errors cause most cultivation failures:

• Overwatering: Leads to root rot (32% of reported problems)
• Insufficient support: Vines need sturdy trellises (27% of issues)
• Winter exposure: Failing to protect roots in colder zones (24% of losses)
• Misidentification: Confusing with edible potatoes (17% of safety incidents)

When to Choose Actual Potatoes Instead

If you want to grow edible potatoes, select proper tuber varieties like Russet Burbank or Yukon Gold. These require:

• Loose, well-worked soil for tuber expansion
• Hilling soil around stems as plants grow
• Harvesting before first hard frost

Remember: No tree produces potatoes—successful potato cultivation happens in garden beds or containers with proper soil management.

Do potatoes actually grow on trees?

No, potatoes never grow on trees. They develop as underground tubers on herbaceous vines in the nightshade family. The term 'potato tree' refers to ornamental Solanum species that don't produce edible tubers.

Is the potato vine the same as a potato tree?

Yes, 'potato vine' and 'potato tree' typically refer to the same ornamental plants (Solanum jasminoides or Solanum crispum). Despite the name, they're climbing vines or shrubs, not trees, and don't produce edible potatoes.

Can you eat anything from the potato tree plant?

No, all parts of ornamental Solanum species called 'potato trees' contain toxic compounds. Unlike edible potatoes where tubers are safe, these plants maintain dangerous glycoalkaloid levels throughout the entire plant year-round.

How do you grow a real potato plant successfully?

Grow potatoes in loose, well-drained soil with regular hilling. Plant seed potatoes 3-4 inches deep after last frost. Water consistently and harvest before first hard frost. Remember they grow as vines, not trees, requiring garden bed cultivation.