Datura, a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae, is known by common names including Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple, and Devil’s Trumpet. Its species are sometimes referred to as Moonflower, though this name is also used for a related genus. Identifying this plant is important because every part is highly poisonous due to potent natural toxins. Recognizing its distinct features is a safety measure, as accidental ingestion can lead to severe illness or death.
The Plant’s Overall Structure and Foliage
Datura species typically grow as bushy, herbaceous annuals or short-lived perennials, often reaching heights between three and five feet. The stems are generally soft, sometimes hollow, and may be pale green or purplish, giving the plant a sprawling, shrub-like habit. The foliage consists of large, simple leaves that are alternately arranged along the stem.
These leaves are generally ovate, measuring between 4 and 8 inches long, with margins that are entire, lobed, or irregularly toothed depending on the species. A characteristic feature is the unpleasant odor released when the leaves or stems are crushed. The leaves of some species, like Datura innoxia, are covered in fine, soft, grayish hairs, giving the plant a downy appearance.
Identifying Features: Flowers and Spiky Fruit
The most distinct parts of the plant are its flowers and subsequent fruit. Datura produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are held erect or spread outward, unlike the hanging blooms of the related Brugmansia genus. These flowers measure from 2 to 8 inches long, typically come in shades of white or pale purple, and often possess a pleasant fragrance.
Many species are vespertine, meaning their flowers open in the evening and close by morning. Following the flowers, the plant develops its definitive feature: a hard, green, egg-shaped capsule often called a “thorn apple.” This fruit is densely covered in sharp, stiff spines and splits open into four valves when mature to release numerous small, flattened seeds.
Habitat and Common Species
Datura is native to the Americas, but many species have become widely naturalized across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The plant often thrives in disturbed soil, such as along roadsides, in waste areas, pastures, or in gardens as a weed. These plants are fast-growing and aggressive.
Two of the most common species are Datura stramonium and Datura innoxia. D. stramonium, or Jimsonweed, is distinguishable by its smaller, typically white or yellowish flowers, and its sharply toothed leaves. In contrast, D. innoxia usually has larger, often white flowers and soft, grayish, hairy leaves, with less spiky fruit capsules.
Extreme Toxicity Warning
Every part of the Datura plant—including the seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots—contains high concentrations of tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds are classified as anticholinergics and deliriants. The concentration of these toxins can vary significantly based on the plant’s age, growing location, and weather conditions, making exposure unpredictable.
Ingestion of even a small amount can trigger severe anticholinergic symptoms, including delirium, disorientation, and visual hallucinations. Physical symptoms involve a rapid heart rate, severe dry mouth, dilated pupils causing blurred vision and light sensitivity, and hyperthermia. Without immediate medical intervention, Datura poisoning can lead to coma, respiratory depression, and death. Seek emergency medical attention if exposure is suspected.