Solanum carolinense var. carolinense, commonly known as Carolina Horse-nettle or Carolina Horsenettle, is a member of the Solanaceae family and is widely distributed throughout much of the eastern and central United States.
This perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has large, prickly leaves that are deeply lobed and green in color. It produces attractive, star-shaped, white to pale violet flowers in the summer, which are followed by small, green berries that turn yellow and eventually ripen to a bright orange-red color in the fall.
In This Article
Solanum carolinense var. carolinense Information
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Common Names | Carolina Horse-nettle, Carolina Horsenettle |
| Native to USA | AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |
| Introduced to Canada | ON, QC |
| Size | 2 to 3 feet tall |
Carolina Horse-nettle is native to numerous states in the USA, including Texas, and is also introduced to Canada in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
With its striking appearance and interesting history, Solanum carolinense var. carolinense can make a great addition to any wildflower garden in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solanum carolinense var. carolinense edible?
Solanum carolinense var. carolinense, also known as Carolina Horse-nettle or Carolina Horsenettle, contains toxic alkaloids, including solanine, which can be harmful to humans and livestock if ingested in large quantities.
Is Solanum carolinense var. carolinense an invasive species of plant?
Solanum carolinense var. carolinense, commonly known as Carolina Horse-nettle or Carolina Horsenettle, is considered an invasive species in some areas of the United States, particularly in the western states where it is not native.