Nettle, Horse

Nettle, Horse

Horsenettle is a native perennial in the Potato (nightshade) family. It is known by many names including, apple of Sodom, devil’s nettle and sand briar. 3 species of horsenettle are on a state or federal noxious weed list. It ranges throughout the US except Montana, North Dakota and Utah at this time. Because of its family roots in the nightshades it is poisonous and children should be cautioned. As the plant matures, it becomes more toxic. The stems reach a height of 4ft. and are covered with sharp prickles. The leaves are ovate shaped and 2 to 5in. long and have prominent yellow spines on the veins, stalks and mid-ribs. The flowers have 5 pale lavender to white petals less than 1in. in diameter. From the center of the flower is a column of yellow fused anthers. The fruit looks like small yellow tomatoes. Horsenettle has a deep tap root of up to 10ft. and feeder roots up to 3ft. that make it difficult to dig to eradicate.

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