Wildflower - Horse Nettle

During our recent dry spell one plant didn't seem to be effected, the Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense). Horse Nettle is not a true nettle, but a member of the nightshade family. The nightshade family includes potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants which all have flowers that are similar in shape.



The stem and undersides of larger leaf veins are covered with spines. The fruits also resemble tomatoes.



All parts of the plant are poisonous to varying degrees due to the presence of solanine which is a toxic alkaloid and one of the plant's natural defenses. Being that both the Horse Nettle and potatoes are in the nightshade family, these Potato Beetle larva seem to enjoy eating the spiny leaves.