Jimson weed, Thorn apple
datura stramonium
Also known as: ["Stinkweed","Mad apple","Downy thornapple"]
Overview
An annual herbaceous plant with large, trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed pods, known for its potent psychoactive and toxic alkaloids.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Datura |
| Botanical Name: | Datura stramonium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed; major pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid excessive pruning during flowe
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors with supplemental grow lights if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; avoid sudden light changes; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid waterlogged soil; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in heat; sensitive to frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; adjust watering for heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Do not over-fertilize to prevent root burn; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid shock; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity around cuttings; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or diseased parts; shape the plant; remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; may become root-bound quickly.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone to avoid wetting foliage; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball; allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in cold; leaf drop or stunted growth in extreme heat; bud drop during temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; frost can kill the plant.
Solution: Protect from frost with covers or move indoors; avoid cold drafts; ensure soil is not waterlogged in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may require increased watering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the tropane alkaloids in Datura stramonium. Toxicity can lead to severe neurological and cardiovascular dysfunction, with symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening hyperthermia and seizures.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Datura stramonium can cause severe anticholinergic poisoning, affecting the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract. The alkaloids induce hyperthermia, tachycardia, and potentially fatal neurological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDatura stramonium contains potent tropane alkaloids, primarily atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, which act as anticholinergics. These compounds disrupt the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to severe physiological disturbances, including delirium, hallucinations, and potentially fatal hyperthermia or cardiac arrhythmias.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Datura stramonium safe for pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats and should be kept away from pets.
Q: Can Datura stramonium be used medicinally?
A: Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine, but it is highly toxic and should only be handled by professionals.
Q: How does Datura stramonium grow?
A: It is an annual plant that thrives in disturbed soils and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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