The Genus Datura
Family: Solanaceae
The jimpsonweeds (common name for many Datura species) are famous for their intense chemistry. All species of Datura are extremely poisonous and psychoactive, especially their seeds and flowers, which can cause respiratory depression, arrhythmias, fever, delirium, hallucinations, anticholinergic syndrome, psychosis, and death if taken internally. People love to freak out about plants like this, but honestly, you have to be trying hard, by taking the plant internally or smoking it to experience these sorts of affects. That said, if you are a sensitive person, be careful when handing these plants.
There are 15 species of Datura worldwide, with 4 species occurring in Arizona. Most plants are found growing under trees, or where extra water collects like ditches and riparian areas.
Plants in landscapes can take full sun to even somewhat shady locations. The more sun, the more water they will need, but also the more flowers you will get.
Most species of Datura are native to Mexico, which is considered the center of origin of the genus. Several species are considered to have extra-American native ranges: D. ferox (native to China), D. metel (native to India and Southeast Asia), and D. leichardthii (native to Australia), however these may be early introductions from Central America.
Though the chemistry of Datura is intense, or maybe BECAUSE of the intense chemistry, it has a long history of medicinal and ceremonial use. Obviously great caution and expertise must be taken if you plan on using this plant in such a way.
As far as wildlife support, Datura is a powerhouse. Larval food plant for the pink spotted hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata), rustic sphinx moth (Manduca rustica), and the five spotted hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata). Nectar plant for moths like sphinx moths with a long proboscis, especially nocturnal ones. Many other insects use the nectar.
The genus name Datura comes from Dhatura, the Hindustani name for the plan
Datura discolor
Desert Thorn Apple
This is an annual or short-lived perennial that can reach 4’ tall and wider than tall, orften much shorter (2’). Flowers have purple streaks in the throat. Spikey fruits follow flowers. Plants reseed readily.
Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, from 2,000 ft or below in Arizona, southern California, and south into Mexico.
The species name, discolor, means ‘to color’ referring to the purple streaks in the throat of the plant.
Photo by Patrick Alexander, SEINET
Photo of Datura discolor on iNaturalist
Datura quercifolia
Oak-Leaf Thorn Apple
This is an annual that can reach 2-4’ tall and wider than tall. Flowers are white with purple shading on the edges. Spikey fruits follow flowers. Plants reseed readily.
Found on roadsides and waste grounds, from 4,000-7,000 ft in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and south into Mexico.
The species name, quercifolia, means oak-leaf, from the oak genus Quercus.
Photo by Patrick Alexander, SEINET
Datura quercifolia on iNaturalist
Datura stramonium
Jimsonweed
This is an perennial with a taproot that can reach 2-4’ tall and wider than tall. Flowers are white with purple streaks on the edges. Spikey fruits follow flowers. Plants reseed readily. Very similar to Datura discolor but larger flowered.
Found on roadsides and waste grounds, from 3,000-5,500 ft widespread throughout the United States, British Columbia and Quebec.
The species name, stramonium means spiky-fruited, and a name used by Theophrastus for the thorn-apple.
Photo by Patrick Alexander, SEINET
Datura stramonium on iNaturalist
Datura wrightii
Sacred Datura
This is an perennial with a taproot that can reach up to 6’ tall, though usually shorter (2-4). They spread much wider than tall and often covered in blooms in summer. Flowers are white and extremely fragrant.
Found in creosote brush, Joshua tree, sagebrush, and pinon-juniper communties; 1,000-6,500 ft in Arizona. Native to most of North America except Canada; south to central Mexico; also introduced in Europe, Australia and eastern Asia.
The species name, wrightii named for Charles Wright (1811-1885), an American botanical collector.