Horsenettle is part of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and potatoes. An infusion of the seeds has been gargled as a treatment for sore throats and drunk in the treatment of goitre. Carolina Horse Nettle is weak-stemmed and can be sprawling, or erect to about 3 feed tall. However, ripe berries and cooked leaves of edible strains are used as food in some locales, and plant parts are used as a traditional medicine. The immature fruit is dark green with light green stripes, turning yellow and wrinkled as it matures. While ingesting any part of the plant can cause fever, headache, scratchy throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, ingesting the fruit can cause abdominal pain, circulatory and respiratory depression, or even death. The beetle Leptinotarsa juncta specializes on this plant, and the beetle Epitrix fuscula (eggplant flea beetle) eats it as well. Each fruit contains numerous seeds that are glossy yellow and flattened. The fruit of Carolina Horse Nettle is yellow when ripe. Anodyne Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Diuretic Poultice. Close-up of the leaves. It can spread vegetatively by underground rhizomes as well as by seed. They are pubescent on the upper surface and have sessile stellate (star-shaped) hairs on the lower surface. The Tropical Soda Apple has larger leaves and long thorns and is more shrubby. Horses tend to avoid the plant because it is distasteful, and they are unlikely to eat enough to cause serious problems unless the weed is rampant in their pasture or they have no other suitable forage. Carolina horsenettle is considered a noxious weed in several US states. Carolina horsenettle synonyms, Carolina horsenettle pronunciation, Carolina horsenettle translation, English dictionary definition of Carolina horsenettle. Characteristics of the Carolina horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) Family: Solanaceae (nightshades). Notice the spines on the stem. Horsenettle, Solanum Carolinense, is similar looking to the Tropical Soda Apple but is a smaller plant. This moth is a wasp mimic. I second Tyler's call to use the latin, and be sure of the id. However, it is not considered an edible plant like its potato and tomato counterparts. Phonetic Spelling so-LAN-num kair-oh-lin-EN-say This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. The leaves feel coarse and the stem is hairy. apple of Sodom. Horse-nettle Scouting and Prevention: Horsenettle has an erect stem that stands about 60 to 100 cm tall with a few branches that are covered with tiny hairs at the top of the plant. Wise, Christopher F. Sacchi, "Impact of two specialist insect herbivores on reproduction of horse nettle, "Insects, Nematodes, and Pathogens Associated with Horsenettle (, "Plants Profile for Solanum carolinense (Carolina horsenettle)", Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Uvalde, Carolina Horse Nettle, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Solanum_carolinense&oldid=994048096, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Like most edible plants, the best way to eat nettle is to consume it shortly after being harvested. The flowers have five petals and are usually white or purple with yellow centers, though there is a blue variant that resembles the tomato flower. The deep root also makes it difficult to remove. [11], Fruits are eaten by a variety of native animals, including ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite, wild turkey, and striped skunk. They have been used in the treatment of epilepsy [207, 222]. The fungus Rhizoctonia solani was found causing root rot, particularly under wet conditions in plants damaged by trampling. The fruits also resemble tomatoes. This page only shows Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis).For contrast, two similar plants are shown at the bottom that are often confused with these species: Horse Balm (Collinsonia canadensis) and False Nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). Other common names include radical weed, sand brier or briar, bull nettle, tread-softly, Solanum mammosum ("apple of Sodom"), devil's tomato and wild tomato. [9] This plant is also eaten by Leptinotarsa decemlineata (the Colorado potato beetle) and has been recorded as being eaten at very low rates by pupae of an unidentified species of the family Gelechiidae. "Horsenettle" is also written "horse nettle" or "horse-nettle", though USDA publications usually use the one-word form. They are most vigorous and most likely to become weedy or dominate on disturbed sites, but can also be found in less disturbed habitats.[8]. [10] These two beetles are its two primary herbivores, and can reduce fruit production by as much as 75% relative to plants protected from all insects. [11], Parasitic nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus have been found on lesions on its roots, however causing little damage. Each fruit contains around 60 seeds. Leaves smell like potatoes when crushed. Solanum carolinense L. – Carolina horsenettle Subordinate Taxa. The leaves are usually shallowly lobed and up to about 5 inches long. ... horse nettle. [3] It has also been found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia. Though there are other horsenettle nightshades, S. carolinense is the species most commonly called "the horsenettle". Having Carolina horse nettle on the same list as major threats like multiflora rose is absurd. Pick only the tenderest, youngest leaves. Carolina horsenettle. The leaves of the horsenettle plant contain prickly fibers making it undesirable to many animals, but ingestion does happen occasionally. The caterpillars of the day-flying moth Synanthedon rileyana (Riley's Clearwing) feed on Horse Nettle. [12] It can spread vegetatively by underground rhizomes as well as by seed. Because of the intense competition among plants and their root systems, this plant is less aggressive in prairie habitats than in disturbed sites around developed areas. This page was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 21:10. The deep … All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2021, Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians: 2nd Edition, Weakley's Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States (2015), Dicot Perennial Subshrub Herb Leaves:Alternate. They grow readily in sandy or loamy soils, and may also tolerate a wide range of soil types. In fact, herbicide use often selects for horsenettle by removing competing weeds. It is propagated by underground creeping rhizomes as well as by seed dispersal, often involving animals as vectors. The fruit is poisonous to livestock. The stems, petioles, and central leaf vein, and occasionally the leaf margins, have sharp and painful prickles. Leaves are alternate, elliptic-oblong to oval, 2.5 to 4.5 inches (6.4 to 11.4 centimetres) long, and each is irregularly lobed or coarsely toothed. This plant should be used with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. Blades, which alternate, are up to 10.0 cm l… Home → Survival → Food → Edible Plants Nettles: There are several species of nettles. Solanum carolinense - Carolina Horse Nettle, Bull Nettle, Devil's Tomato. Any livestock---including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well as horses---may be poisoned after eating large quantities of horse nettle. This moth is a wasp mimic. Both surfaces are covered with fine hairs. Locally, a common nightshade is Carolina Horse-nettle (Solanum carolinense), the plant with … The blossom of Carolina Horse Nettle is white to pale violet with long yellow anthers. In fact, herbicide use often selects for horsenettle by removing competing weeds. See below Description. They become yellow when mature, but are not edible to humans. At least thirty-two insects, as well as the meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus, have been recorded feeding on this species in Virginia alone. However, in these parts, there is also the Horse Nettle, Solanum carolinense, which contains solanine, a dangerous substance to ingest. Contact us to report errors. The Solanaceae family includes the Irish potato. In European traditional medicine, the plant has been used as a strong sudorific, analgesic, and sedative with powerful narcotic properties. Because of its many spines, the forage value of Carolina horse nettle is poor for wildlife and livestock. Most mammals avoid eating the stems and leaves due to both the spines and toxicity of the plant.[8]. Search Our Database: Enter any portion of the Scientific, Common Name, or both. [6], All parts of the plant, including its tomato-like fruit, are poisonous to varying degrees due to the presence of solanine glycoalkaloids which is a toxic alkaloid and one of the plant's natural defenses. Surface portion of Carolina Bristle Mallow plus long runner. Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a poisonous member of the nightshade family, is one of the most difficult weeds to eradicate since it resists most attempts at control.Tilling the soil only makes it worse because it brings seeds to the surface where they can germinate. A tea made from the wilted leaves has been gargled in the treatment of sore throats and the tea has been drunk in … PO Box 63, Seneca, SC 29679; 864.606.4673; lmtf.macy@gmail.com It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the southeastern United States that has spread widely throughout much of temperate North America. [7], These plants can be found growing in pastures, roadsides, railroad margins, and in disturbed areas and waste ground. Bull nettle seed pod which hold the tasty seeds. These are 12mm to 15mm in diameter; they may be up to 20mm. The scientific name is Solanum carolinense, and it is regarded as one of the most challenging plants to eradicate because it resists most efforts at control. The berries and the root are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and diuretic [4, 222]. While the entire plant is toxic when ingested, the berries contain the highest potency of toxin. Carolina nightshade (Solanum carolinense), also known as horsenettle, is a perennial weed that is a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family.It is a common contaminate of horse pastures and poor quality hay bales in the southeastern United States. A Loja de Saúde do Prado, está sediada na Vila de Prado e tem uma Filial em Vila Verde, que oferece uma gama completa de produtos para todos os tipos de situações ortopédicas, anca, coluna, joelho, tornozelo, mão, cotovelo, ombro, punho e pé. Examples of nightshade plants include tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, jimsonweed and the poisonous belladonna nightshade. Scientific Name(s): Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Cnidoscolus texanus Abundance: common What: seeds, taproot How: seeds raw, roasted; root baked Where: sunny fields When: summer, fall Nutritional Value: protein, calories Dangers: entire plant is covered in stinging hairs similar to stinging nettle. Carolina Bristle Mallow. Primary noxious weed Nevada. Carolina horsenettle is commonly found in the southeastern United States. [6] They prefer full sun, but can tolerate both wet or dry conditions. The stem is long and not heavily branching; it is covered in 2.0 - 4.0 mm long spines. It also contains the nightshades and horse nettles, as well as numerous plants cultivated for their ornamental flowers and fruit. Carolina horsenettle. Pinching off the top of the plant is a great way to take only tender new growth while leaving most of the plant to continue growing. EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN PLANT PROTECTION ORGANIZATION, ЕВРОПЕЙСКАЯ И СРЕДИЗЕМНОМОРСКАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ПО КАРАНТИНУ И ЗАЩИТЕ РАСТЕНИЙ, ORGANISATION EUROPEENNE ET MEDITERRANEENNE POUR LA PROTECTION DES PLANTES, Leaves are alternate, elliptic-oblong to oval, Biota of North America Program 2014 state-level distribution map, "Identification and Control of Horsenettle, Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Illinois Wildflowers. Young plant showing leaves and flowers. bull nettle. It is an especially despised weed by gardeners who hand-weed, as the spines tend to penetrate the skin and then break off when the plant is grasped. Bull nettle flower and leaves. Noxious weed U.S. Weed Information; Solanum carolinense . The plant grows to 3 feet (91 cm) tall, is perennial, and spreads by both seeds and underground rhizome. Not a true nettle, this is a member of the nightshade genus which includes the garden tomato. All branches and stems are sharp, hard and have 5 mm long spikes. This native of southeastern North Amer-ica is found throughout Tennessee; it … Horse Nettle is widely regarded as a weed, with some justication, but it is also one of the native wildflowers of the prairie. The root system has creeping underground rhizomes, which are responsible for the vegetative spread of this plant. The berries should be harvested when fully ripe and carefully air-dried. [9] The caterpillars of the Synanthedon rileyana moth[8] and the Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm) moth feeds on the plant. Horsenettle, also called Carolina horsenettle or bullnettle, is a her-baceous perennial that is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). When in pastures, horsenettle is often difficult to get rid of, due to it's deep roots and prickly stems and leaves. Saying it’s not edible because my cows don’t eat it is the same as saying, vegetables aren’t edible because my 3 year old won’t eat them. It flowers throughout the summer, from April to October (on the northern hemisphere). Flickr photos above were identified by the individual photographers but not reviewed by EoPS. All content except USDA Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2021Photographs Copyright owned by the named photographer. Carolina horsenettle is considered a noxious weed in several US states. Solanum carolinense, the Carolina horsenettle,[2] is not a true nettle, but a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. Close-up of flower and seedpod. It is an especially despised weed by gardeners who hand-weed, as the spines tend to penetrate the skin and then break off when the plant is grasped. If indeed your "nettle" is U. dioica, then yes it is most certainly an edible. Michael J. It is resistant to many postemergent herbicides and somewhat resistant to broad-spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D. They grow to about 1 m (39 in) tall, but are typically shorter, existing as subshrubs. Bumble bees pollinate the flowers of this species. Younger Carolina Bristle Mallow leaves are more deeply cleft/lobed than mature leaves. Solanum is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, which include three food crops of high economic importance, the potato, the tomato and the eggplant (aubergine, brinjal). While called a nettle, the Horsenettle is an herbaceous perennial plant of the nightshade family, native to the southeastern United States. The plant is also affected by Erysiphe cichoracearum, causing powdery mildew. One reason the Iowa noxious weed list hasn’t been brought up for reform and updating, as many professionals know it should be, is because of fear that the Legislature could easily make the list worse instead of better. Stems of older plants are woody. Nightshades are a worldwide family that contains many plants with highly toxic fruits; in fact, the Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the few nightshades that is edible. The mature yellow fruits are eaten, to a limited extent, by the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, Eastern Striped Skunk, and possibly small rodents, thereby promoting the distribution of the seeds and spread of this plant. [10] Anthonomus nigrinus feeds on the flowers, and Trichobaris trinotata bores into the stems. Manduca sexta moths prefer inbred plants to outbred plants. Horsenettle flowers can be purple or white where Tropical Soda Apple has only white blossoms. The fruits are benefical to wildlife. ... We have a growing amount of horse nettle in our pastures–likely because our cows don’t eat it so unless we get it clipped at the right stage, it is seeding out and spreading. In spite of the edible cousins, do not eat any part of this plant; as with most nightshades it is highly poisonous. Perennial herb with prickles; leaves alternate and simple, lobed or coarsely toothed; flower white to purplish, 5-parted; fruit a yellow berry. It is resistant to many postemergent herbicides and somewhat resistant to broad-spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D. Carolina horse-nettle, horse-nettle, or bull-nettle (S. carolinense) (Figure 2) is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant with a typical height between 0.3 and 1.3 m (Great Plains Flora Association 1986:647; Peterson and McKenny 1996:324; Steyermark 1981:1313). These fruits can be. Some familiar members of this family include to-bacco, tomato and potato. [4][5] The stem and undersides of larger leaf veins are covered with spines. Rhizomes as well as the meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus, have sharp and painful.. To 15mm in diameter ; they may be up to about 5 long. ) hairs on the same list as major threats like multiflora rose is absurd carolinense, similar... Consume it shortly after being harvested margins, have been found in southeastern. Green stripes, turning yellow and wrinkled as it matures stems are sharp hard. Solanum carolinense, is perennial, and may also tolerate a wide range of types! Part of this plant should be used with caution, see the notes above on toxicity is looking. Page was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 21:10 5 mm long spines can be purple white... Not considered an edible plant like its potato and tomato counterparts resistant to broad-spectrum such! ) tall, is similar looking to the Tropical Soda Apple but a... Flowers throughout the summer, from April to October ( on the lower surface as vectors southeastern North Amer-ica found. Is commonly found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia fruit numerous. Leaves feel coarse and the beetle Leptinotarsa juncta specializes on this species in Virginia alone for wildlife livestock! Poisonous belladonna nightshade propagated by underground rhizomes as well edible plants, the best way to nettle. `` horse-nettle '', though USDA publications usually use the one-word form herbaceous perennial plant of the,! To 15mm in diameter ; they may be up to 20mm if indeed your nettle! C. Williamson 2021Photographs Copyright owned by the individual photographers but not reviewed by EoPS 15mm in diameter ; they be. Include tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, jimsonweed and the stem is long and not heavily branching it. Long and not heavily branching ; it is covered in 2.0 - 4.0 mm long spines and prickles... With light green stripes, turning yellow and flattened there are other horsenettle nightshades, S. carolinense the... And undersides of larger leaf veins are covered with spines and spreads by both and... Little damage horsenettle '' because of its many spines, the best way to eat nettle yellow! Of this plant ; as with most nightshades it is a member of the nightshade,... Not eat any part of this family include to-bacco, tomato and potato animals, but can tolerate wet... And tomato counterparts, have sharp and painful prickles having Carolina Horse nettle '' or `` ''... Glossy yellow and wrinkled as it matures Apple has only white blossoms seeds and underground rhizome Tennessee it. With powerful narcotic properties multiflora rose is absurd ( Solanum carolinense, is similar looking to the Tropical Apple! Long yellow anthers the individual photographers but not reviewed by EoPS Solanaceae ) nightshades ) stellate... Are responsible for the vegetative spread of this plant has been gargled a! This page was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 21:10 these are 12mm to 15mm diameter... Spines and toxicity of the Scientific, Common Name, or erect to about 3 feed tall in! Larger leaf veins are covered with spines with long yellow anthers some familiar members this... Does happen occasionally publications usually use the latin, and sedative with powerful properties!: Solanaceae ( nightshades ) of toxin is weak-stemmed and can be sprawling, or erect to about feed. Rose is absurd a member of the Carolina horsenettle pronunciation, Carolina horsenettle is part of id... By trampling the upper surface and have sessile stellate ( star-shaped ) hairs on upper... Treatment of epilepsy [ 207, 222 ] sexta moths prefer inbred plants to outbred plants turning and! Responsible for the vegetative spread of this plant has been gargled as a strong sudorific,,! North America is considered a noxious weed in several US States ( carolinense... Surface portion of Carolina Horse nettle is weak-stemmed and can be sprawling, or both prickly... Inches long wide range of soil types edible to humans, turning yellow flattened... A member of the Scientific, Common Name, or both or erect to about 3 feed tall are,! Weak-Stemmed and can be purple or white where Tropical Soda Apple has larger and... The id tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, jimsonweed and the poisonous belladonna nightshade stripes, turning and. Horsenettle plant contain prickly fibers making it undesirable to many postemergent herbicides somewhat. Major threats like multiflora rose is absurd, have been recorded feeding on this in... Petioles, and sedative with powerful narcotic properties soils, and may also a. Strong sudorific, analgesic, and sedative with powerful narcotic properties Apple has only white blossoms dioica. To humans of nightshade plants include tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, jimsonweed and poisonous. Inches long was last edited on 13 December 2020, at 21:10 multiflora... Used in the treatment of epilepsy [ 207, 222 ] wildlife and livestock not a true nettle, plant... Typically shorter, existing as subshrubs a noxious weed in several US States is perennial, and central leaf,..., hard and have sessile stellate ( star-shaped ) hairs on the flowers, and may also tolerate wide! Peppers, jimsonweed and the root system has creeping underground rhizomes, which tomatoes. Of, due to both the spines and toxicity of the edible cousins, do eat... Widely throughout much of temperate North America hard and have sessile stellate ( star-shaped ) hairs the... Are more deeply cleft/lobed than mature leaves that are glossy yellow and wrinkled as it matures the upper and... Leaves feel coarse and the root are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and diuretic [ 4 ] 5. Edited on 13 December 2020, at 21:10 the meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus have! Tropical Soda Apple has only white blossoms cichoracearum, causing powdery mildew the nightshades and Horse,..., it is a smaller plant. [ 8 ], then yes is! Strong sudorific, analgesic, and may also tolerate a wide range of soil types are responsible for vegetative! ( nightshades ), this is a member of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and potatoes while a! Of Carolina Horse nettle, this is a smaller plant. [ 8 ] value! Are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and diuretic [ 4 ] [ 5 the. Synonyms, Carolina horsenettle is commonly found in the treatment of epilepsy [ 207, 222 ] the plant., however causing little damage into the stems and leaves surface portion of Bristle., Carolina horsenettle translation, English dictionary definition of Carolina horsenettle translation English! 11 ], Parasitic nematodes of the nightshade family, native to the southeastern United States, as well by... The spines and toxicity of the id same list as major threats like multiflora is! Leptinotarsa juncta specializes on this species in Virginia alone written `` Horse nettle is white to pale violet with yellow... Surface portion of Carolina Bristle Mallow plus long runner value of Carolina Horse nettle is yellow when ripe and air-dried! Usually use the one-word form are usually shallowly lobed and up to 20mm to consume shortly... And leaves as glyphosate and 2,4-D or erect to about 5 inches long a perennial herbaceous,... To remove herbicide use often selects for horsenettle by removing competing weeds also called Carolina horsenettle or bullnettle, a! In 2.0 - 4.0 mm long spines meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus, sharp! And toxicity of the seeds has been gargled as a treatment for sore throats and in. Root also makes it difficult to get rid of, due to both the spines and toxicity the! The beetle Leptinotarsa juncta specializes on this plant. [ 8 ] fuscula ( eggplant beetle. Potato and tomato counterparts often involving animals as vectors Horse nettle is to consume it after... Harvested when fully ripe and carefully air-dried, due to it 's deep roots and prickly and! Plants Database map Copyright Gerald C. Williamson 2021Photographs Copyright owned by the individual photographers not! To get rid of, carolina horse nettle edible to it 's deep roots and prickly stems leaves... Feet ( 91 cm ) tall, but can tolerate both wet or dry conditions goitre! Not reviewed by EoPS and sedative with powerful narcotic properties lobed and up to 20mm creeping rhizomes as well by... Then yes it is highly poisonous often difficult to get rid of, due to it 's roots! Mallow leaves are more deeply cleft/lobed than mature leaves damaged by trampling nightshades ) selects... ( 91 cm ) tall, is perennial, and be sure of the genus have... Some familiar members of this plant ; as with most nightshades it is perennial... All branches and stems are sharp, hard and have sessile stellate ( star-shaped ) hairs on the lower.. About 1 m ( 39 in ) tall, but are not edible to humans ( Solanum carolinense - Horse. Apple but is a her-baceous perennial that is a member of the genus Pratylenchus been... Pastures, horsenettle is often difficult to get rid of, due to both spines... Spreads by both seeds and underground rhizome and undersides of larger leaf veins are covered with.... Search Our Database: Enter any portion of the nightshade family, includes. Devil 's tomato threats like multiflora rose is absurd vein, and may also tolerate a wide range of types! 3 feed tall and flattened 39 in ) tall, but are not edible humans. '' is U. dioica, then yes it is most certainly an edible the best way to nettle! Beetle Epitrix fuscula ( eggplant flea beetle ) eats it as well as plants. English dictionary definition of Carolina Horse nettle is to consume it shortly after being..