March 18, 2020
Administrator of Science Ben Williams here, checking in from the woods with another nature picture! You've probably seen these before, and if you're like me, you referred to them as "those weird little yellow tomato-looking things." As it turns out, that's not too far from the truth! This is Solanum carolinense, better known as the Carolina horsenettle. However, it is not a true nettle (nor is it a horse). It's a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant among many, many others. Don't eat the fruit of a Carolina horsenettle, though; the fruits contain toxic alkaloids that are not safe for human consumption. Skunks, wild turkeys, bobwhites and pheasants love to eat the fruit, however, so if you ever have a skunk over for dinner, you'll know what to serve it. #BenInNature
This post brought to you by VMNH Corporate Partner Bassett Furniture.