A recent invader into our fields. Not a nettle at all, but a thorny, poisonous nightshade.
These are in the Nightshade family. They look much like yellow cherry tomatoes, and the seeds resemble tomato seeds. The twigs have slim, sharp thorns, but I couldn't see any leaves. The yellow fruits are up to 3/4 inch across. They were growing in a large patch in an overgrown field on game lands.
Carolina Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense) is not a true nettle, but a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to southeastern United States that has spread widely throughout North America. This plant has hard spines along the stems that can penetrate the skin and break off, causing much pain.
