Carolina Horsenettle: Solanum carolinense

Plant Family & Name:

a. Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

b. Solanum is the genus that includes nightshades such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and peppers. The name is traditionally connected with the Latin solamen, meaning “comfort” or “relief,” although the exact origin of the genus name is uncertain.

Carolinense means “of Carolina,” referring to the region where the plant was originally described.

Carolina horsenettle is also known as horse nettle, bull nettle, sandbrier, apple of Sodom, and Carolina nightshade.

Despite the common name “nettle,” it is not a true nettle. Its sharp prickles are part of the nightshade family’s defense mechanisms rather than the stinging hairs found on true nettles.

Habitat & Ecological role: Carolina horsenettle is native to the southeastern and central United States and has spread into other parts of North America. It commonly grows in pastures, fields, roadsides, woodland edges, gardens, disturbed ground, fence lines, and other open habitats. It prefers sunny areas and can tolerate a variety of soils. The plant is a perennial herb that spreads through both seeds and underground rhizomes, allowing established colonies to persist and making it a troublesome agricultural weed in some areas. Its small white to pale-purple flowers have prominent yellow centers and are visited by bees and other pollinating insects.

The yellow berries mature into small round fruits that may be eaten by some wildlife, although the plant’s toxic compounds make consumption by livestock and humans a concern.

The prickles on the stems and leaves provide protection from herbivory.

Parts Used: the root, leaves, and berries

*Older records describe various preparations of the plant, particularly the root, for external and internal folk remedies.

However, Solanum carolinense contains steroidal glycoalkaloids, including compounds related to solanine and solasodine.

These compounds can be toxic, and concentrations can vary between different parts and stages of the plant.

Herbal Actions: alterative, analgesic, antirheumatic, topical, and antispasmodic.

Modern practical classification: *toxic medicinal plant — not recommended for unsupervised internal use.

Season:

Spring through autumn

Flowers — spring through summer

Berries — summer through autumn

Taste: Bitter, acrid, unpleasant, somewhat earthy.

Energetic Qualities: Hot, drying, stimulating, penetrating, bitter, protective.

Indications: Folk medicine has associated Carolina horsenettle with rheumatic pain, skin complaints, respiratory conditions, and other inflammatory or painful conditions.

Some historical preparations involved the root or other portions of the plant. However, these traditional uses should not be interpreted as evidence of safe or effective medicinal use.

The plant’s toxic alkaloids are a major limitation.

Body system affinities: musculoskeletal, integumentary, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Safety: *All parts of the plant should be treated as potentially toxic, especially the berries and underground portions.

The plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids, which can cause poisoning when consumed in sufficient quantities.

Possible symptoms of nightshade alkaloid poisoning can include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Changes in heart rate

• Neurological symptoms

Experience:

Carolina horsenettle is a fascinating plant because its appearance tells part of its story before you ever know its chemistry.