Eastern Forest Threat Center - Jimsonweed

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Jimsonweed leaves and flower

Jimsonweed leaves and flower

Ohio State University Weed Lab Archive, Bugwood.org

Jimsonweed
Datura stramonium

Jimsonweed, native to India and Central America, is capable of flowering and producing seeds when under stress.

Keywords: Solanaceae, annual, herb; Common names: thorn apple, devil's apple, devil's trumpet, dewtry, fireweed, Jamestown lily, moonflower, stinkwort

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Threat Description

Jimsonweed is an erect annual herb in the potato family growing up to 5 ft. tall. Stems are stout, hollow, smooth, branching, and green or purple with inconspicuous hairs. Smooth leaves are ovate with green or purplish coloration, coarsely serrated along edges, wavy, and 3 to 8 in. long. The leaves have an unpleasant odor when slightly bruised. Funnel-shaped flowers appearing from May to September are white or purple with a 5-pointed corolla up to 4 in. long, set on short stalks in the axils of branches, and have a pronounced odor. Prickly four-segmented seed pods burst open from the tip when ripe, exploding to scatter numerous black, pitted, and kidney-shaped seeds. Jimsonweed has a thick and extensively branched taproot system. It grows in most habitats, but thrives in high-nutrient soil. It is found in pastures, barnyards, fields, waste ground, cultivated areas, roadsides, and railroad rights-of way. This plant grows rapidly and competes for water and nutrients. All parts of Jimsonweed are poisonous to both humans and animals.