Carolina Horse-nettle
Solanum carolinense
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carolina Horse-nettle is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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
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.
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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Carolina Horse-nettle and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.