horse nettle

American  

noun

1. a large, prickly North American weed, Solanum carolinense, of the nightshade family, having violet to white flowers in a few clusters.

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horse nettle British  

noun

1. a weedy solanaceous North American plant, Solanum carolinense, with yellow prickles, white or blue flowers, and yellow berries

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Etymology

Origin of horse nettle

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

It is also deadly to poison ivy, poison oak, sumac, horse nettle, chickweed, thistles, plaintain, dandelions, ragweed.

From Time Magazine Archive

Buttercup, musk thistle and horse nettle are common weeds that can be controlled with herbicides.

From Time Magazine Archive

Plants that live more than two seasons are known as perennials and include, for example, many grasses, dock, Canada thistle, poison ivy, passion flower, horse nettle, etc.

From Agriculture for Beginners Revised Edition by Burkett, Charles William