Jimsonweed Datura stramonium
ABOUT
Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimsonweed or devil's snare, is a distinctive plant with a unique and striking appearance. It possesses broad, ovate leaves that have irregularly serrated margins, giving them a somewhat jagged look. These leaves are generally dark green in color. The stem is stout, branching, and may display a purplish tinge, especially at the nodes where leaves and flowers emerge. One of the most remarkable features of jimsonweed is its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms can be either white or purplish, exuding a strong, sweet fragrance particularly intense in the evening. The flowers unfurl from a spiky calyx and display five distinct points at the corolla's edge. After flowering, jimsonweed produces a spiny, egg-shaped fruit or capsule. This structure is initially green and soft but eventually dries to a brownish color, becoming a woody, spiny husk that splits open to release numerous small, black seeds. These seeds have a pitted surface and are quite potent; they are a key reason the plant is both renowned and notorious. Jimsonweed's general aspect, with its large flowers and spiky fruit capsules, gives an otherworldly or eerie feel to the plant's beauty, which belies its toxic nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae.
Synonyms
Jimsonweed, Devil's Snare, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet, Angel's Trumpet, Mad Apple, Stinkweed, Moonflower.
Common names
Datura stramonium var. chalybea, Datura stramonium var. tatula, Datura inermis, Datura stramonium var. inermis, Datura stramonium var. godronii, Stramonium vulgatum, Stramonium, Stramonium foetidum, Datura stramonium var. stramonium.
ToxicityTo humans
Jimsonweed is highly toxic and can be deadly if ingested. All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, which are central nervous system anticholinergics. Symptoms of jimsonweed poisoning include dry mouth, dilated pupils, vision disturbances, headache, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, tachycardia, urinary retention, constipation, fever, and in severe cases, coma and potentially death. The onset of symptoms generally occurs 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and can last for 24 to 48 hours. Immediate medical attention is required if jimsonweed poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Jimsonweed is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the presence of tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine. Pet poisoning symptoms include dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, dry nose and mouth, increased heart rate, restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, seizure, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure or death. The toxic effects can vary depending on the size of the pet and the amount ingested. Prompt veterinary care is crucial to manage the toxic effects and prevent potential fatalities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Insect Repellent: Jimsonweed's strong odor is known to repel certain insects and pests.
- Traditional Ceremonies: Indigenous peoples have used jimsonweed in spiritual practices for its psychoactive properties.
- Ornamental Use: With its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, jimsonweed can be grown for decorative purposes in gardens.
- Wildlife Food Source: Some bird species eat the seeds of jimsonweed, making it a natural part of their diet.
Medical Properties- Anticholinergic effects: Datura stramonium contains tropane alkaloids which can cause anticholinergic syndrome by inhibiting acetylcholine neurotransmission.
- Anesthetic properties: The plant has been traditionally used for its analgesic and anesthetic effects during surgeries or dental procedures.
- Asthma treatment: The alkaloids can act as bronchodilators and have been used historically to treat asthma symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may have been used to alleviate certain types of inflammation although its use is not considered safe.
- Sedation: Due to its alkaloid content, it has been used to induce drowsiness and to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia.
- Antispasmodic: The plant has been used to relieve muscle spasms, particularly in gastrointestinal disorders.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimsonweed, has been used in traditional ceremonies by some Native American tribes to induce visions due to its psychoactive properties.
- In some cultures, the plant is used as part of homeopathic remedies, albeit with caution due to its toxicity.
- Jimsonweed has a history of being used as a hallucinogen and spiritual enhancer in various shamanic practices across different cultures.
- The plant's strong odor when crushed is sometimes used for deterring pests and strays from gardens and home perimeters.
- In the past, jimsonweed was occasionally used as a natural fish stupefying agent, where it would be thrown into water bodies to make fish easier to catch due to its toxic properties.
- Before the advent of modern hypnotics, tiny doses of jimsonweed were sometimes used to help induce sleep, although this was a risky practice because of its narrow therapeutic range.
- The plant's leaves have been used in the past as a poultice for treating wounds, ulcers, and hemorrhoids, though again, caution is necessary due to its toxic nature.
- Jimsonweed has been incorporated into lotions and ointments intended to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort, taking advantage of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- In some parts of the world, jimsonweed has been used as a veterinary medicine to treat parasitic infestations in livestock.
- The seeds of Datura stramonium were sometimes used as a traditional Chinese method for counterfeiting silver when ground and mixed with other substances due to their color and texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJimsonweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJimsonweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deception and Danger: Datura stramonium, also known as Jimsonweed, is highly toxic. Its beautiful appearance belies the potent poisons contained within every part of the plant.
- Mysticism and Enchantment: With a history of use in various spiritual and cultural rituals, Jimsonweed symbolizes the thin veil between reality and the supernatural, often associated with visions and otherworldly experiences.
- Intoxication and Overwhelm: The hallucinogenic properties of Jimsonweed are symbolic of losing control, getting lost in illusions or overwhelming emotions.
- Protection: Throughout history, some cultures believed that Jimsonweed had the power to ward off evil spirits and used it as a protective plant despite its dangerous qualities.
WaterJimsonweed requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, but it is important not to overwater. The plant prefers a slightly moist soil environment. It should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil well beyond the surface which encourages deeper root growth. The amount of water needed can vary depending on soil type and temperature, but typically, about one to two gallons per plant each week should be sufficient. During hot weather, the frequency of watering may need to increase to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightJimsonweed thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, it will benefit from a little shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching.
TemperatureJimsonweed is a hardy plant that prefers warm conditions and does best with temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. It can survive a minimum temperature of about 50°F but, being intolerant to frost, it cannot survive in conditions where temperatures drop below freezing. The ideal temperature range for growing jimsonweed would be consistently above 60°F yet not exceeding 90°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning jimsonweed helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's recommended to prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back any dead or overgrown stems. Jimsonweed may also be pruned during the growing season to remove any dead flowers or leaves, which encourages further flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJimsonweed thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. The best soil mix includes loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic compost. Make sure it's fertile and does not retain water to avoid root rot.
RepottingJimsonweed should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot, ensuring it has enough room for root growth. It's best to repot in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingJimsonweed prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, making it suitable for most typical outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide Jimsonweed bright light, moderate water, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Jimsonweed in full sun, well-draining soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleJimsonweed begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm soil in late spring to early summer. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with a pair of cotyledons (seed leaves) followed by true leaves that are large and coarsely toothed. As it matures, Jimsonweed develops a strong, erect stem and abundant foliage, and by mid-summer, it produces large, trumpet-shaped white or purple flowers which open at night to attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers give way to a spiny, egg-shaped seed capsule containing numerous black seeds. These capsules eventually dry and split open, releasing seeds into the soil where they can remain viable for several years. The plant completes its life cycle within a single season, dying with the first frosts of autumn or winter, but leaving seeds to start the cycle anew the following year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Jimsonweed can be propagated through its seeds, which are sown directly into the ground. The ideal time for sowing Jimsonweed seeds is in spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, as they require warm temperatures to germinate. To propagate, seeds are sown about 1/2 inch deep into the soil and spaced approximately a few inches apart to allow for adequate growth. They typically germinate within 3 to 4 weeks, but this can be hastened by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat. Once seedlings emerge and grow strong enough, they can be thinned out to about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow each plant adequate space to mature.
