Appearance

Solanum carolinense is a perennial that can reproduce by seed or rhizomes. It has spines on the leaves and stems and can grow up to 3 ft. (0.9 m) in height.

Foliage

Leaves are elliptic-oblong to oval, alternate, petioled, 2.5-4.5 in. (6.4-11.4 cm) long, and covered on both surfaces with hairs. Leaves also emit a potato odor when crushed, and contain prominent prickles on the petiole. Stems are angled at the nodes, become woody with age, and also have prickles and hairs.

Flowers

Flowers occur in clusters and are star-shaped with 5 white to violet petals and a yellow center.

Fruit

The fruit is a berry, green when immature, turning yellow and wrinkled with maturity.

Ecological Threat

S. carolinense is native to the United States. All parts of the plants, except the mature fruit, are capable of poisoning livestock if eaten in sufficient quantity, however, consumption rarely occurs due to the prickly stems and leaves. It is a weed of perennial crops and can be weedy in reduced-tillage crops like corn and small grains. It grows best on well-drained soils. Use gloves when handling the plant.

Citations

Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzlander. 2014. New Invaders of the Southwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/14767.pdf
 

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alaska Noxious Weeds
• California Invasive Plant Council
• Hawaii Noxious Weeds
• Iowa Noxious Weeds
• Maryland Code and Regulations Noxious Weed & Seed Law
• Michigan Noxious Weeds
• Nevada Noxious Weeds
• New Invaders of the Southwest

References