HORSENETTLE, Solanum carolinense
L. 1, top of plant; 2, lower portion of plant; 3,
stem with mature berries; 4, mature and immature berries; 5,
flower; 6, top and edge view of seeds; 7, distribution. Perennial,
reproducing by seeds from creeping rootstocks. Stems simple or branched,
hairy and prickly, 1 to 4 feet (0.3 to 1.2 m) tall. Leaves alternate,
oblong, wavy-edged or lobed, with yellow prickles on petioles, midrib,
and veins. Flowers white or bluish, 5-lobed, about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
across, borne in clusters. Berries yellow, juicy, 3/8 to 5/8 inch
(9 to 15 mm) in diameter, containing numerous seeds, borne in clusters,
smooth at first but becoming wrinkled late in the season. Seeds about 1/16
inch (1.5 mm) in diameter, round, flattened, yellowish. Found in
fields, gardens, and waste areas, especially those with sandy soil.
SILVERLEAF NIGHTSHADE, Solanum elaeagnifolium
Cav. 8, distribution. Similar to the above species. Leaves
somewhat narrower, less prickly, and with a silvery appearance due to numerous
fine hairs.