Sacred Datura, Jimson Weed

datura wrightii

Also known as: ["Sacred Datura","Jimson Weed","Angel's Trumpet"]

Family: Solanaceae Genus: Datura Category: Flowers

Overview

A highly toxic perennial herb native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Datura
Botanical Name: Datura wrightii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny, sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
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, sandy loam with organic matter. Cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and size.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh midday sun in extreme heat. Outdoor placement is ideal for full sun exposure.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; ensure unobstructed sunlight.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C). Prefers hot summers and mild winters. Dormancy may occur in cooler months.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove crossing or crowded stems.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased parts; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Essential for healthy growth and flowering.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Allow excess water to drain away completely.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or death, especially below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors in cold climates. Provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if water and light are not balanced.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; water before and after.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Datura wrightii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as spider mites or aphids, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Datura wrightii can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to root damage or impaired water uptake, which affects overall plant turgidity and health.

Leaf spots on Datura wrightii may be caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant vigour.

Rotting in Datura wrightii, particularly root or stem rot, is often associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections like Fusarium or Pythium, which can cause plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Datura wrightii is highly toxic to cats due to its tropane alkaloid content. These substances disrupt normal neurological and cardiovascular function, posing a serious risk of poisoning.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy tremors seizures rapid breathing dilated pupils agitation coma
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The tropane alkaloids in Datura wrightii are highly toxic to dogs, causing severe anticholinergic poisoning. These compounds block acetylcholine receptors, leading to dangerous neurological and cardiovascular effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting excessive drooling tremors seizures rapid heart rate dilated pupils disorientation coma
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from all parts of the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Datura wrightii contains potent tropane alkaloids, primarily scopolamine and atropine, which interfere with the cholinergic system, leading to severe anticholinergic effects. These compounds disrupt neurotransmission, causing significant physiological and neurological disturbances.

⚠️ Symptoms:
hallucinations delirium tachycardia severe dry mouth flushed skin dilated pupils urinary retention coma respiratory failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Strictly avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Datura wrightii safe for pets?

A: No, all parts of the plant are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Can Datura wrightii be grown indoors?

A: It is not recommended due to its toxicity and large size.

Q: What are the traditional uses of Datura wrightii?

A: It has been used in traditional medicine and spiritual ceremonies, but its use is dangerous due to its toxicity.

Quick Reference
Family: Solanaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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