Datura Garden Plant, New Mexico?

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Datura wrightii (Jimsonweed)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Datura wrightii

Datura wrightii Regel

Jimsonweed, Sacred Thorn-apple, Thorn-apple, Angel Trumpet, Sacred Datura, Western Jimson Weed

Solanaceae (Potato Family)

Synonym(s): Datura inoxia ssp. quinquecuspida, Datura metel var. quinquecuspida

USDA Symbol: dawr2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), PR (N), VI (I)

Large, trumpet-shaped, white corollas, generally withered by early morning, protrude from the coarse foliage of this stout, branched, rank-smelling plant.

Extracts from this plant and its relatives are narcotic and, if ingested, potentially lethal. The narcotic properties of species have been known since before recorded history. They once figured importantly in religious ceremonies of southwestern Indians.

The species name of this plant is for Charles Wright, 1811-1885, world-wide botanical collector but mainly in Texas (1837-1852), Cuba and his native Connecticut.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , FL , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TX , UT , VA , WV , WY
Native Distribution: Central California to northern Mexico; east across the Southwest to Texas.
Native Habitat: Often found in floodplains throughout Texas. Well-drained loam, sand, clay.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based, Calcareous
Conditions Comments: Jimsonweed is a branching forb that blooms large, white, fragrant, trumpet-like flowers from evening through morning. The flowers protrude from the coarse foliage of this stout, rank-smelling plant. The wilted flowers are somewhat unsightly in the afternoon, but extremely showy in the evening and morning. All parts of the plant are highly toxic .

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Bog or pond area, Showy
Use Wildlife: A larval host plant for Carolina Sphinx Moth, Manduca sexta, which is the primary pollinator for the species. Few other species can access its nectar.
Use Medicinal: Indigenous people such as the Aztecs used jimsonweed for healing purposes.
Use Other: The narcotic properties of species have been known since before recorded history. They once figured importantly in religious ceremonies of southwestern Indians.
Warning: Extracts from this plant and its relatives are narcotic and, when improperly prepared, lethal. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Larval Host: Manduca sexta, Carolina Sphinx Moth
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Poisonous: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Seed started in January should make nice 4-inch pots by April. Very cold weather could delay growth. New plants could be started mid-summer for fall 4-inch pots, but plants freeze back so fall is not the best planting time.
Seed Collection: Collect seeds in late fall.
Commercially Avail: yes

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-11-22
Research By: TWC Staff

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