Description: Perennial nightshade that emerges each spring from seed or rhizomes. Recognizable by sharp prickled leaves, star-shaped flowers, and round berries. Flowers are white to purple in color. Green fruit turn yellow resembling a small tomato. Found throughout the Southern US. Common in pastures.
Warning: Buy Clean Hay. Horsenettle seed can pass intact through an animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Avoid movement of grazing animals directly from heavily infested fields to clean pastures.
Management: Mowing will slow spread, but not control it. Best time to spray herbicide is at the flowering stage before the berries form. Call a County Extension Agent or Consult the most recent UGA Pest Management Handbook for effective herbicide recommendations.