Solanum dimidiatum
western horsenettle
Overview
Solanum dimidiatum is a rhizomatous perennial in the nightshade family, growing 1-3 ft (30-90 cm) tall on stems armed with stout, yellowish prickles. The oval to lobed leaves are 2-6 in (5-15 cm) long, wavy-edged, and carry sharp prickles along the midrib on both surfaces and a coat of star-shaped hairs. From late spring through summer it bears clusters of star-shaped flowers about 1-1.5 in (2.5-4 cm) across in pale violet to blue-purple, each with a cone of bright yellow anthers at the center. The flowers give way to smooth, round berries that ripen from green, often mottled, to dull yellow, about 0.5-0.75 in (12-18 mm) wide. All parts, especially the unripe berries, contain solanine and related alkaloids toxic to people and livestock if eaten. It spreads by deep, creeping rhizomes as well as seed, forming colonies in pastures, fields, roadsides, and disturbed ground on sandy or loamy soils. The deep rhizomes and prickly stems make it hard to remove once established, and it is regarded as a weed across much of its range.
Native Range
Solanum dimidiatum is native to the south-central United States, centered in Texas, Oklahoma, and neighboring states, and has spread eastward into the Southeast. It grows in prairies, pastures, and disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Rarely planted by intention, it appears chiefly as a volunteer in disturbed and grazed ground. Where tolerated, it supplies pollen for native bees on rough sites. It is most often the target of weed control in pastures and fields.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet to blue-purpleFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight