Edge/ Horse Nettle

COMMON NAME: Horse-Nettle

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Ball-Nettle, Sand Brier, Apple-of-Sodom, Bull-Nettle, Irish-Plum,

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solanum carolinense

FAMILY: Solanaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 1 to 4 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Early June to October

FRUITING TIME: August to October

DISTRIBUTION: Vermont and Minnesota to Virginia ~ Statewide in NJ, seldom on outer coastal plain

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stem  prickly ~ Leaves alternate, coarsely toothed or lobed ~ Flowers violet or white, star-shaped, in small clusters ~ Yellow berry

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Solanaceae) commonly called the Nightshade Family of herbs, shrubs, trees, and woody vines is composed of 90 genera and  2600 species.  This family is of great economic importance providing food (peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants) medically (alkaloids, poisons) and tobacco. The genus (Solanum) is from Latin solamen meaning “quietening”, alluding to the sedative properties of this plant.  The specie (carolinense) means of Carolina. In ancient times, other related species of nettles were woven into cloth and twine with the twine used to make nets.  Hence, the name nettle or  “net plant”. Native Americans used in infusion (medicine prepared by steeping thin plant parts in a liquid without boiling) as an anthelmintic (medicine destructive to worms) for worms and for ulcers.  Crushed leaves in milk were used as an insecticide for flies.  A seed infusion was taken for goiter and gargled for sore throat.  Berries were fried  in grease and the grease was then used to treat dog mange.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.