Solanum carolinense

Common Name: 
horsenettle, apple of Sodom, devil's tomato
Scientific Name: 
Solanum carolinense L.
Family Name: 
Solanaceae - Nightshade Family
Identification Notes
Life Cycle
introduced perennial, reproducing by seed and rhizomes
Stems
upright, branch or unbranched, sharp spines, star-shaped hairs, zig-zag or angled at nodes, becoming woody
Stems of Horsenettle
Stems of Horsenettle
Stems of Horsenettle
Stems of Horsenettle
Stems of Horsenettle
Leaves
alternate, oblong to oval, star-shaped hairs, irregularly lobed resembling oak leaves; spines (yellow) random on petioles, midrib and veins
Leaves of Horsenettle
Leaves of Horsenettle
Leaves of Horsenettle
Flowers
5-petaled, white to light violet, star-shaped flowers, petals curved downward, conspicuous yellow stamens; solitary or clustered from internodes
Flowers of Horsenettle
Flowers of Horsenettle
Flowers of Horsenettle
Fruit
green berries, yellow and wrinkled when mature
Fruits of Horsenettle
Fruits of Horsenettle