Solanum carolinense L.

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Carolina Horsenettle

Taxonomy:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Angiosperms
  • Class: Eudicots
  • Order: Solanales
  • Family: Solanaceae
  • Genus: Solanum
  • Species: Solanum carolinense

Common Names by Region:

  • Carolina Horsenettle (United States)
  • Bull Nettle (United States)
  • Carolina Horse-nettle (United States)
  • Devil’s Tomato (United States)
  • Wild Tomato (United States)

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Description: Carolina Horsenettle is a perennial herbaceous plant with spiny stems, belonging to the Solanaceae family. It typically grows up to 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall, with a sprawling growth habit. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, with irregularly lobed or toothed margins, and covered in fine prickles. The plant produces small, star-shaped white to purple flowers, followed by round, yellowish-green berries that resemble tiny tomatoes. All parts of the plant, including the berries, contain toxic alkaloids.

Known Range: Carolina Horsenettle is native to the southeastern United States, including states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. It thrives in various habitats, including fields, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas.

Care Requirements:

  • Sunlight: Carolina Horsenettle prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
  • Soil: It grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
  • Watering: Once established, Carolina Horsenettle is relatively drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry periods.
  • Temperature: It is adapted to warm climates and does not tolerate frost.
  • Maintenance: Due to its aggressive growth and spiny nature, Carolina Horsenettle may require regular maintenance to prevent it from becoming invasive. Care should be taken when handling the plant to avoid its prickles.

Note: Carolina Horsenettle is considered a noxious weed in some regions due to its ability to spread rapidly and its toxicity to livestock and humans. Control measures may be necessary to manage its growth and prevent its spread in agricultural and natural areas.


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