The Cattlemen's Association of Florida has petitioned the Florida State Department of Agriculture and the USDA for assistance to control the noxious pasture weed, that is threatening the economic viability of their ranchers. Solanum viarum is a herbaceous perennial, capable of persisting through mild winters. Plants normally grow about 3 feet tall but may reach 7 feet under optimum conditions. Ridged, hooked, yellowish prickles up to 20 cm long are scattered on the main stem, branches and along the mid and secondary veins of both surfaces of the leaf. White flowers with yellow stamens are borne in small clusters on stems below the leaves.
Immature fruits are pale-green with dark green veining, simular to horsenettle but larger.
Each plant can produce 125 to 400 fruits, approximately 90,000 seeds. Seed germination normally exceeds 75 percent. TSA distribution in South Carolina. South Carolina's TSA quarantine regulations. Specimens should be adequately contained to prevent dispersal of the seeds.