Description
Horsenettle species are herbaceous perennial plants, branching occurs occasionally.
Solanum elaeagnifolium (Silverleaf Nightshade, Prairie Berry, Silverleaf Nettle, White Horsenettle ) and Solanum carolinense L.(Horse nettle, Apple of Sodom, Carolina horsenettle, nightshade)Silverleaf Nightshade gets its name from the silvery hairs that cover the plant, along with the nettle-like prickles. The leaves are 2-4 inches long, with wavy edges.
Flowers are violet-purple or white, about 2 cm across, with 5 petal-like lobes that are joined at the base, forming a triangular shape at the tip of each lobe.Horse-nettle is not related to true nettles, but rather to nightshade, tomatoes, and potatoes. The horse nettle flower has five broad, pointed petals that form a somewhat star-shaped corolla.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Horse nettle, Apple of Sodom, Carolina horsenettle, Nightshade, Silverleaf Nightshade, Prairie Berry, Silverleaf Nettle, White Horsenettle |
| Maximum Reachable Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Flower Colour | White, Purple White, Purple |
| Bloom Time | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
The yellow fruits resemble small tomatoes and remain on the plant for months. They are said to be poisonous. The lavender, star-shaped flowers with yellow centers look attractive in the silvery foliage. But the plant is an aggressive, poisonous weed, spreading steadily from deep rootstocks; in a few states, it is classified as a noxious weed.
Horse nettle care
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 68 degrees to 86 degrees F (20 degrees to 30 degrees C) |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Horse nettle special feature
Characteristics distinguishing horsenettle from other nightshades are its perennial spreading roots and prickly stems and leaves. Five thick stamens of Solanum carolinense seem to have a beak shape.
Horse nettle uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose