Jimsonweed

(Datura stramonium)

 

   

 

 

Color Photographs: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.)

Alien: Native of New World Tropics.

Identification: Flowers large, elongate, white (sometimes tinted with violet). Calyx slightly bulbous. Corolla elongate, tubular with a ragged fringe at its apex. Fruit a large, spiny capsule. Leaves elongate-ovate with extremely coarse teeth along the outer margin. Plant 2 to 5 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America.

Habitat: Jimsonweed is found in disturbed habitats such as empty lots, fields, and roadsides.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: The unique flowers and fruits readily identify this species.

Comment: All parts of Jimsonweed are poisonous. The species is sometimes called Loco Weed because of its effect on cattle.

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