Western Horsenettle
Solanum dimidiatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Western Horsenettle 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
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, GA, IL, KS and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Western horsenettle is a spiny perennial wildflower that produces purple star-shaped blooms from late spring through fall. This native plant can spread by underground rhizomes and has thorny stems and leaves that make it less suitable for high-traffic areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Western Horsenettle 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 and leaves create safety concerns
- Can spread aggressively and look weedy
- Common name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its extended blooming period. Birds may eat the small berries that follow the flowers.
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 Western Horsenettle and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.