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Carolina Horse-nettle

Solanum carolinense

Last reviewed: July 2026

Carolina Horse-nettle (Solanum carolinense)
Photo: (c) Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Carolina Horse-nettle is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Carolina horse-nettle is a spiny perennial wildflower with white to pale purple star-shaped blooms from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant spreads by underground rhizomes and can form colonies over time. It produces small yellow berries after flowering but all parts of the plant are toxic.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Horse-nettle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Thorny stems present safety hazard
  • Toxic berries dangerous around children and pets
  • Can spread aggressively and look weedy

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during summer months. However, the toxic nature of the plant limits its value to most wildlife species.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Horse-nettle need?
Carolina Horse-nettle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Carolina Horse-nettle bloom?
Carolina Horse-nettle blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Carolina Horse-nettle native?
Carolina Horse-nettle (Solanum carolinense) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Carolina Horse-nettle toxic to dogs?
Yes. Carolina Horse-nettle is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Carolina Horse-nettle toxic to cats?
Yes. Carolina Horse-nettle is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Carolina Horse-nettle attract?
Carolina Horse-nettle draws bees and beetles.
Is Carolina Horse-nettle HOA-friendly?
Carolina Horse-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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