Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
SolanaceaeSource.org
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. 187. 1753.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001026883
Common Names
- Solanum Carolinense
- Carolinense Potato
- Wild Potato
Description
Solanum carolinense (also called Carolina nightshade, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to North America. It has a branched stem, and its leaves are ovate in shape. It is found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Solanum carolinense is used as a food source and also for medicinal purposes. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and can be used to make a tea that can help with digestive issues.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Solanum carolinense var. carolinense
Solanum carolinense var. floridanum Chapm.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Solanum carolinense is a white or pink star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a black berry containing several seeds. The seedlings are small, with oval-shaped leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Solanum carolinense is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It is not tolerant of drought or wet soils. The seed should be sown in spring or early summer and can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Division should be done in early spring or fall. The plants can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Where to Find Solanum carolinense
Solanum carolinense can be found in the United States and Canada.
Species in the Solanum genus
Solanum aemulans,
Solanum blanco-galdosii,
Solanum brucheri,
Solanum edinense,
Solanum michoacanum,
Solanum procurrens,
Solanum rechei,
Solanum sambucinum,
Solanum vallis-mexici,
Solanum abitaguense,
Solanum abollatum,
Solanum abortivum,
Solanum absconditum,
Solanum abutilifolium,
Solanum abutiloides,
Solanum acanthodapis,
Solanum acanthodes,
Solanum acaule,
Solanum accrescens,
Solanum acerifolium,
Solanum achorum,
Solanum acroglossum,
Solanum acropterum,
Solanum acroscopicum,
Solanum actaeibotrys,
Solanum actephilum,
Solanum aculeastrum,
Solanum aculeatissimum,
Solanum acuminatum,
Solanum acutilobum,
Solanum adenobasis,
Solanum adenophorum,
Solanum adoense,
Solanum adscendens,
Solanum adspersum,
Solanum aethiopicum,
Solanum affine,
Solanum africanum,
Solanum agnewiorum,
Solanum agnoston,
Solanum agrarium,
Solanum agrimoniifolium,
Solanum ajanhuiri,
Solanum alatirameum,
Solanum albescens,
Solanum albicans,
Solanum albidum,
Solanum albornozii,
Solanum albostellatum,
Solanum aldabrense,
Species in the Solanaceae family