jimsonweed
Family
SolanaceaeScientific Name
Datura stramonium
Other Common Names:
Jamestown weed
mad apple
moonflower
stinkwort
thorn apple
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Datura tatula
Datura stramonium var. tatula
Habit
Purplish green stems are 2-3 cm in diameter reaching heights of 2 m tall with branching in the upper portions.
Leaves
7-20 cm long leaves are triangular with deep irregular toothing.
Identifying Characteristics
Strong scent is emitted from leaves and stems; fruit is a spiny capsule, and a white trumpet shaped flower. A major weed of many agronomic crops this plant also has a reputation of being toxic and having narcotic effects when ingested.
Flower Seed Head
Trumpet shaped flowers are 5 cm across and 2- 12 cm long and white to light purple in color.
Seed Fruit
A spike covered capsule with 4 compartments containing 600-700 black disk shaped seeds.
Where Found
Throughout the United States often in farmyards, row crops and other cultivated areas.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
half dollar,
larger
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
purple
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
oval,
triangle
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb