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Field guide
Sacred datura (Datura wrightii)
Dlarsen · Public domain

also Jimsonweed · Sacred thorn-apple

Sacred datura

Datura wrightii

Family:
Solanaceae
Elevation:
1,000 ft – 6,500 ft
Bloom:
May – Oct
Region:
Southwest

A sprawling, gray-green mound with huge white, trumpet-shaped flowers that open at dusk and perfume the night to attract hawkmoths. Dramatic and beautiful — but every part is dangerously poisonous.

Care · tuned to the Southwest

Water

Very drought tolerant; deep roots let it thrive on natural rainfall. Overwatering is unnecessary and can cause rot. Grows lush and blooms heavily in response to monsoon moisture.

Sun & exposure

Full sun to part shade; withstands intense reflected desert heat.

Soil

Undemanding — tolerates sandy, gravelly, disturbed, and alkaline or caliche soils as long as drainage is reasonable.

In the Southwest

Herbaceous perennial that dies back with frost and resprouts from a large root. Self-sows from spiny seed capsules and can spread aggressively. Flowers are pollinated by night-flying hawkmoths. Handle with care and wash hands after contact.

Common problems & fixes

  • Tobacco/tomato hornworms strip the foliage

    Fix — Handpick the large green caterpillars or treat with Bt, checking leaf undersides regularly.

  • Highly toxic in all parts — a handling hazard

    Fix — Wear gloves when pruning and keep it away from children and pets, as every part is poisonous.

  • Aggressive reseeding from spiny pods

    Fix — Remove the seed pods before they split to control unwanted volunteers.

Pets & toxicity

HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs, cats, livestock, and people. All parts contain tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine); ingestion can cause severe poisoning — dry mouth, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and death. Keep away from children and animals; seek immediate care if eaten.

Easy to confuse with

  • Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) — smaller flowers and more jagged, toothed leaves
  • Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) — a woody shrub with pendant, hanging trumpets

Sources

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