WEEDS to WATCH

Carolina Horsenettle

A native, wild member of the nightshade family of sunloving, or solanaceous plants, its Latin name is Solanum carolinense. But it is also called poison potato, wild tomato, Devil’s Potato, Devil’s Tomato, Apple of Sodom, and thorn apple, because the stems are covered with fine, needlelike thorns.

The leaves resemble potato or eggplant leaves, the flowers look potatoes in bloom, and the fruit look like cherry tomatoes. But don’t be tempted by its resemblance to any familiar garden plants. Every part of the Carolina Horsenettle is toxic to people and animals.

The toxin found in this plant is solanine alkaloid, which in large volumes can kill livestock, pets and make humans sick with nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. If you spot this weed in your garden, put on your gloves and remove it immediately. Bag it and discard it in your trash. This is not a good candidate for composting!

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