Horse-nettle Solanum carolinense
Horse-nettle grows throughout Virginia in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed areas. The plant may grow up to 3 feet tall but is usually shorter. Horse-nettle leaves are covered with hairs and spines and smell like potatoes when crushed. The plant blooms from April to October, displaying small white or purple flowers with yellow centers. All parts of the plant contain the toxic chemical solanine. The majority of reports of human toxicity is from eating the fruits, which are approximately ½ inch in diameter and resemble small tomatoes. Symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Horse-nettle poisoning is rarely fatal; the fatalities that do occur are more often found in children, and then, only when larger quantities of the plant are eaten.
Chee Ricketts Solanum carolinense Acrylic on Masonite Panel 12 x 12 $325
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