Horse Nettle
Solanum carolinense

This plant grows in fields and uncultivated areas, and is found at the edge of our wetland region. It belongs to Solanaceae family, which also contains potato, tomato, nightshade and jimsonweed. The flowers are violet to white with prominent yellow anthers. Although the flowers are similar to those of nightshade, the leaves are distinctive in that they are coarsely lobed. Leaves and stems have sharp spines or prickles which protect the plants from being eaten by livestock. In the fall, horse nettle produces attractive bright orange berries which are poisonous.

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