Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed

Datura stramonium L.

Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

▲ mature plant

▲ ▼ flowers

▲ fruit

Jimsonweed:

Summer annual broadleaf weed with stout, purple-green branching stems
Grows 1-5’ tall, with jagged triangular leaves; both stems & leaves have strong odor if bruised
Flowers large, lavender to white, trumpet-shaped, opening more at night
Seed capsule is large, with many spines--looks like small spiny “grenade"
Plant was linked to witchcraft in Europe--if you had the weed growing in your yard, your were suspected to be involved with witchcraft
Jimsonweed name came from “Jamestown weed"--it first appeared in U.S. with Jamestown settlers
Seeds are deadly poisonous to eat
Is common in many cultivated crops; can be found in pastures, non-crop areas
Similar to velvetleaf in crop damage potential
Similar species, sacred datura, toloache or moonvine:
- has larger, more hairy leaves
- hairy stems
- has larger flowers that open at night and are often quite fragrant
- fruit is similar
- usually not a weed problem, though