Datura wrightii, commonly known as Sacred Datura, is a striking herbaceous perennial native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant is prized in gardens for its large, funnel-shaped flowers that unfurl dramatically at dusk, releasing a sweet fragrance into the evening air. The white, trumpet-shaped blooms can reach up to eight inches in length. The plant typically grows as a sprawling shrub, reaching between three and five feet tall and up to ten feet wide in optimal conditions.
Establishing the Plant
Successful cultivation begins with selecting a location that accommodates the plant’s preference for heat and sun. Datura wrightii thrives best in a position receiving full sun exposure for most of the day, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in the hottest desert climates. The plant’s deep taproot allows it to endure the intense heat of its native environment, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Soil composition is a determining factor in the plant’s health, necessitating fast and reliable drainage. While it tolerates poor, rocky, or gritty soils, the plant will suffer if its roots sit in standing water. When planting, amend heavy clay soil with coarse sand or gravel to ensure excess moisture drains away quickly, preventing root rot.
The species can be started from seed, which should be sown directly outdoors in the spring after all risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, transplanting nursery stock is straightforward, provided the root ball is placed level with the surrounding grade. This herbaceous perennial is generally hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12, where it can be expected to return year after year.
Routine Maintenance and Management
Once the plant is established, its care regimen shifts toward managing its vigorous growth and encouraging continuous flowering. Datura wrightii is highly drought-tolerant, reflecting its desert origins, and prefers deep, infrequent watering over shallow, frequent irrigation. Allow the soil to dry out significantly between watering sessions to mimic its natural environment.
Over-fertilization is rarely necessary and can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. If the plant appears to need a boost, apply a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. A 10-10-10 formula is suitable, but the plant often performs well without supplemental feeding.
Pruning is primarily used to maintain the plant’s sprawling shape and encourage a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or removing the spent blooms, is beneficial because it redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into creating new flowers. Prune back any errant stems to manage the size and improve air circulation.
Seasonal Changes and Dormancy
The annual cycle of Datura wrightii is marked by a clear period of winter dormancy. In its native warm climates, the herbaceous above-ground portion of the plant will die back to the ground following the first hard frost. This leaves the substantial perennial root crown intact underground to survive the cooler months.
New growth typically emerges from the root crown in the spring as temperatures warm consistently. Gardeners in colder regions often treat the plant as an annual, as the root structure cannot withstand prolonged freezing temperatures. For those wishing to propagate the plant, the spiny, globular seed capsules should be collected just before they split open to release their numerous seeds.
Essential Safety Precautions
The most important aspect of caring for Datura wrightii is a strict adherence to safety protocols due to its extreme toxicity. Every part of the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and especially the seeds, contains potent tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds are powerful anticholinergic agents that affect the nervous system.
Accidental or deliberate ingestion can lead to severe and life-threatening symptoms, collectively known as anticholinergic toxidrome. Symptoms typically include rapid heart rate, extreme dry mouth, dilated pupils, fever, and a state of intense delirium that can last for days. The difference between a dose that causes symptoms and a lethal dose is extremely narrow, making ingestion highly dangerous.
When handling the plant for pruning or planting, wearing gloves is advisable to prevent skin irritation from the sap or fine hairs on the leaves. Due to the severe hazard of ingestion, the plant must be placed in a location inaccessible to small children, pets, and livestock. This plant is solely for ornamental use and should never be consumed or used for recreational or self-medication purposes.