Carolina Horsenettle
Solanum carolinense
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
The original uploader was Richardelainechambers (en.wikipedia.org) at English Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) .
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Solanum
- Species:
- Solanum carolinense
- USDA Symbol:
- SOCA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Exaeretia canella, Frumenta nundinella, Isophrictis similiella, Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella), Riley's clearwing moth (Synanthedon rileyana), Tildenia glochinella, Tildenia inconspicuella, tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), turbulent phosphila (Phosphila turbulenta), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Keiferia inconspicuella, Riley's clearwing moth (Synanthedon rileyana), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in disturbed areas and fields
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; sow in spring after last frost.