Solanum Elaeagnifolium, White Horsenettle

Solanum elaeagnifolium is an easily recognizable plant on account of its unusual flowers, which consist of a star-shaped corolla with five lobes, arched backwards to reveal a central conical spike, formed of five long, fused yellow anthers (these may separate when mature) and a greenish-white pistil. Flowers grow in small clusters at the tip of each stem; the remainder bears large silvery-green leaves, at intervals (alternate arrangement) all the way to the base.

Despite its prettiness the plant is considered a noxious weed in some areas, as it spreads readily and is difficult to eradicate. The stems have a covering of short, soft hairs and also long brown prickles, these similar to a stinging nettle. The thin, wavy-edged leaves are often partially folded inwards along the axis, and they also have a few prickles, on the underside of the midrib.