Datura

Datura stramonium (dah-TOO-rah stra-MOH-nee-um)

Family: Solanaceae Unknown Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Jimsonweed is a tender, annual weed of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is native to Mexico but has become widely distributed in the United States and throughout the world. It is among the most prevalent weeds. The plant is tall, upright, bushy with a branching habit, growing 1 to 4 feet tall. It has dark green leaves and white or purple-tinged flowers that bloom at night and wilt by the next day. It is commonly found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, open fields, pastures, and the margins of crop fields. If ingested, it is a dangerous and toxic plant for humans, pets, and livestock. The genus name, Datura , means "white thorn-apple and is Sanskrit in origin. The common name, Jimsonweed, originated from the name "Jamestown weed." In Jamestown, Virginia, around the 1600's, some English soldiers ate some of the plant's leaves and became delirious. This fast-growing plant thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils of almost any type, but prefers humus-rich soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and sensitive to frost. The stem is erect, hollow, non-woody, green to purplish, with alternate, simple, coarsely toothed leaves. The flowers are fragrant, solitary, and trumpet-shaped with 5 shallow lobes. The blooms are visited and pollinated by nocturnal moths such as the Sphinx moth. The fruit is a spiked, egg-shaped capsule with 4 valves, containing numerous black seeds. If the stems or leaves are crushed, they produce a very foul odor. This weed produces a taproot, and if the plant is large, it may be difficult to remove by hand. Jimsonweed is listed as an invasive plant in parts of the United States. These plants produce many seeds that can remain viable in the soil for years. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of small children and pets. The sap can cause skin irritation, and protective clothing and gloves are recommended when handling this plant.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 67 attributes.