Solanum carolinense, the Carolina horsenettle,[2] is not a true nettle, but a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the southeastern United States, though its range has expanded throughout much of temperate North America.

Leaves are alternate, elliptic-oblong to oval, 6 to 11 centimetres (2+1⁄2 to 4+1⁄2 inches) long, and each is irregularly lobed or coarsely toothed.

[8] These plants can be found growing in pastures, roadsides, railroad margins, and in disturbed areas and waste ground.

At least thirty-two insects, as well as the meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus, have been recorded feeding on this species in Virginia alone.

[12] These two beetles are its two primary herbivores, and can reduce fruit production by as much as 75% relative to plants protected from all insects.

The fungus Rhizoctonia solani was found causing root rot, particularly under wet conditions in plants damaged by trampling.

[13] Fruits are eaten by a variety of native animals, including ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite, wild turkey, and striped skunk.

It is an especially despised weed by gardeners who hand-weed, as the prickles tend to penetrate the skin and then break off when the plant is grasped.