[2] The plant grows in chaparral, oak woodlands, conifer forests, desert Madrean Sky Islands, and other habitats.

[3] Solanum xanti is a perennial herb or subshrub producing a branching hairy stem up to about 90 centimetres (35 in) in maximum height.

The leaves are up to 7 centimeters long and are lance-shaped to oval, mostly unlobed except for occasional lobes at the bases of the blades.

It grows from sunny locations to dry shade, such as under native oaks.

In common with many other members in the Solanaceace family, all parts of the plant are toxic, especially the unripe fruit.