Carolina Horse-Nettle

Carolina horse-nettle, Solanum carolinense

The flower is star-shaped with five white to light violet petals. There are large yellow anthers in the center. The small green-yellow fruit looks like a tomato.



  • Flower Size: 1 inch

  • Other Names: Apple of Sodom, Bull Nettle, Devil's Potato, Devil's Tomato, Horse Nettle, Poisonous Potato, Thorn Apple, Wild Tomato

  • Plant Height: 1 - 3 feet

  • Scientific Name: Solanum carolinense

  • Fun Facts: All parts of the Carolina horse-nettle are poisonous to livestock and humans if eaten. The plant contains a toxin known as solanine and has the highest level in the fall. The berries are the most toxic when they are mature. Carolina horse-nettle was used by Native Americans and the early settlers. It has been used for treating poison ivy, epilepsy, asthma, bronchitis, and tetanus.

  • Flower Color: White

  • Bloom Time: May, June, July, August, September, October

  • Petal: 5

  • Leaf: Alternate, Hairy

  • Stem: Prickles

  • Environment: Dry, Moist, Sun

  • Location: Crabtree Creek Greenway, Hatcher Creek Greenway, Indian Creek Greenway, Shiloh Greenway