SafePlants

Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium)

Datura stramonium, commonly known as Jimson weed or Devil's snare, is a plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is known for its toxic properties and has been used as both a medicine and intoxicant throughout history.

Considerations for Pets

• All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, contain alkaloids and are toxic to livestock.

Considerations for Children

• All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, contain alkaloids and are toxic to humans.
• The plant produces spiny capsules that contain numerous small, black seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Datura stramonium L.
• Common Names: Jimson weed, Devil's snare, Thorn apple, Devil's trumpet, Apple of Peru, and many more including: Stinkweed, Devil's Apple, Hell's Bells, Loco-weed, Devil's Cucumber, Korean Thistle, Dhatura, among others.
• Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade or Potato family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Believed to have originated in Mexico or possibly India and spread to temperate regions worldwide.
• Commonly found along roadsides, in cornfields and pastures, waste areas, gardens, and other disturbed habitats.
• Has been reported in various locations including West Virginia, California, Colorado, Indiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Alberta.

Morphological Characteristics

• Jimsonweed is a summer annual broadleaf plant.
• Grows to a height of 2 to 5 feet (approximately 0.6 to 1.5 meters), sometimes reaching almost 2 meters (6.5 feet).
• Stout, coarse annual herb with spreading branches.
• Has a pale-green stem that may be green or purplish.
• Leaves are large, ovate, and strong-scented.
• Features large, trumpet-shaped white or purplish flowers.
• Produces hard, spiny, egg-shaped capsules that split open at maturity, releasing numerous tiny black seeds.
• Roots are well-branched, shallow, and fibrous.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Jimsonweed" is derived from Jamestown, Virginia, after soldiers were poisoned by eating the plant in a salad.
• Georgia O'Keeffe painted "Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1," which later sold at auction for a record-breaking price. Elizabeth Arden commissioned O'Keeffe to paint Jimson Weed for her spa.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Jimsonweed is known for its toxicity to both humans and livestock.

Further Information

• WebMD
• CU Toxic Plant Pages
• Encyclopedia.com
• Crop and Soil Environmental News, April 2004