Horsenettle

Horsenettle

Weed Flora of Mississippi

Prepared by

Taghi Bararpour

Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family)

Genus: Solanum        Species: carolinense

History: Horsenettle is native to the central and southern regions of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Special Characteristics: Horsenettle can thrive in hot weather and has deep roots, making it drought resistant, and it can tolerate many soil types and low soil fertility. It is considered toxic to livestock. However, most livestock will not consume horsenettle due to the sharp prickles on the leaves.

Roots: It spreads by both seeds and underground rhizome. The taproot can grow 4 feet deep; and horizontal roots can spread more than 3 feet per year.

Stem: Stems of older plants are woody.

Leaves: The leaves are alternate with lobed margins. The upper leaf surfaces are dark green, while the lower surfaces are lighter green. Both surfaces are hairy, while the leaf midrib and petiole have sharp prickles.

Flower: Each Horsenettle flower contains five united petals formed into a star-shape.

Seeds / Fruit: The fruits are berries that resemble tomatoes. The immature fruit is dark green with light green stripes, turning yellow. The berries contain up to 150 seeds.

Interference: Horsenettle is a problem in pastures and hay fields. Cattle and most other animals will tend to graze around it. Animals will sort through infested hay bales, trying to avoid horsenettle plants. Due to the sharp prickles, it can cause mouth and esophageal injury if consumed.