Datura stramonium ( Jimsonweed ) is a herbaceous annual flower that is said to be native to Central America but is naturalised all over the world. Jimsonweed is also a popular flower during Summer that emits sweet fragrances in the evening. Although some consider Jimsonweed as medicinal, all parts of the plant are highly toxic should be avoided for this purpose.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Datura stramonium is also commonly known as Thorn Apple, Devil’s Snare, Devil’s Trumpet, Devil’s Weed, Jamestown Weed, Moon Flower, Hells Bells, Stinkweed, Locoweed, Pricklyburr, and Devil’s Cucumber.
The origin of Jimsonweed was likely in Central America and has become an invasive weed in temperate and tropical climates around the world. It is also a highly ornamental flower which blooms all during Summer and produces a pleasing fragrance.
Warning: Jimsonweed should be used with extreme caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner since all parts of the plant are very poisonous and the difference between a medicinal dose and a toxic dose is very small. More information regarding the toxicity of Jimsonweed can be found here.
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Growth
Datura stramonium is an erect herbaceous annual that grows to a maximum height of 2 metres (8 feet) and spreads to a maximum width of around 1.5 metres (5 feet). Jimsonweed enjoys warm conditions that occur year-round in tropical climates and during the warmer months in temperate zones.
Fully mature plants have strong stems with smooth pale green to reddish coloured leaves. Leaves can reach a length of around 20cm (8 inches). The stem forks off repeatedly into branches to form a single erect, trumpet-like flower. Flowering occurs during the Summer where they open at night and emit a pleasant fragrance that is enjoyed by nocturnal moths. The egg-shaped seed capsule is covered in spines and at maturity splits into four chambers that contain around 600 seeds per capsule.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical and Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 40°C / 41 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Low nutrient soil is preferred.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Drought tolerant
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees, birds & other insects but can self-pollinate.
MATURITY:
4-6 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
85-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Reasonably Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 75
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, however all parts of the plant are toxic and can cause serious injury or death.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
EDIBLE:
NO, toxic to both humans and animals!
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 40 years.
FACTS ABOUT DATURA STRAMONIUM (Jimsonweed)
In Australia in December 2022, around 200 people reported becoming ill after eating products containing spinach that were mostly sold through Costco. After studies confirmed that wild Datura stramonium had contaminated the spinach, the grower acted to eradicate the plants.
In the United States the plant is sometimes called Jamestown Weed deriving from the Virginian town of Jamestown where English soldiers consumed it while attempting to suppress a rebellion. They subsequently spent 11 days in altered mental states.
Although it is said that many adolescents, particularly in the United States, use Jimsonweed as a hallucinogen it is unlikely to catch on due to the intensity and unpleasant effects experienced by the user.
Note: Jimsonweed has been offered here as a beautiful summer flower that produces a sweet-smelling fragrance. The Seed Vine DOES NOT recommend this plant as medicinal. To view our full range of medicinal plants please click here.
Not only can the toxic effects of this plant be harmful in the wrong hands, but the potential spreading of an invasive weed can also be detrimental to the livelihoods of nearby farmers. Please use responsibly by containing the plant while pruning and disposing of the seed capsules appropriately.
