Horse Nettle, Carolina horsenettle

Solanum carolinense

Physical Characteristics

Solanum carolinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - New England to Florida, west to Texas and South Dakota.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Diuretic Epilepsy Poultice This plant should be used with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The berries and the root are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and diuretic[4, 222]. They have been used in the treatment of epilepsy[207, 222]. They have been recommended in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other convulsive disorders[4, 207]. The berries should be harvested when fully ripe and carefully air-dried[4]. An infusion of the seeds has been gargled as a treatment for sore throats and drunk in the treatment of goitre[257]. A tea made from the wilted leaves has been gargled in the treatment of sore throats and the tea has been drunk in the treatment of worms[222, 257]. A poultice made from the leaves has been applied to poison ivy rash[222].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are potentially poisonous[222]. Fatalities have been reported with children[222].