Species library · Plants & herbs

Carolina Horsenettle: poisonous

Solanum carolinense

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Carolina Horsenettle is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from June to October in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Grassland, Scrub & hedgerows. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Carolina Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)

Photo: (c) Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

When Carolina Horsenettle appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Carolina Horsenettle is usually found in Disturbed ground, Grassland, Scrub & hedgerows.

⚠ Look-alikes

Look up Carolina Horsenettle in the app

In the Forage app, Carolina Horsenettle has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Carolina Horsenettle: common questions

Is Carolina Horsenettle poisonous?

Yes. Carolina Horsenettle is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Carolina Horsenettle appear?

Carolina Horsenettle usually appears from June to October in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Carolina Horsenettle grow?

Carolina Horsenettle is usually found in Disturbed ground, Grassland, Scrub & hedgerows.

What can Carolina Horsenettle be confused with?

Deadly look-alikes: Jimsonweed, Bittersweet nightshade, Black nightshade. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits