Solanum carolinense
From Bugwoodwiki
Contents |
|
Overview
- Appearance
- Solanum carolinense is a perennial with spines on the leaves and stems that can grow up to 3 ft. (0.9 m) in height.
- Foliage
- Leaves are elliptic-oblong to oval, alternate, petioled, 2.5-4.5 in. (6.4-11.4 cm) long and covered on both surfaces with hairs. Leaves also emit a potato odor when crushed, and contain prominent prickles on the petiole. Stems are angled at the nodes, become woody with age, and also have prickles and hairs.
- Flowers
- Flowers occur in clusters and are star-shaped with 5 white to violet petals and a yellow center.
- Fruit
- The fruit is a berry, green when immature, turning yellow and wrinkled with maturity.
- Ecological Threat
- Solanum carolinense is native to the United States. All parts of the plants, except the mature fruit, are capable of poisoning livestock if eaten in sufficient quantity, however consumption rarely occurs due to the prickly stems and leaves. Use gloves when handling the plant.
Images from Bugwood.org
