Datura stramonium
Jimson weed, Jamestown weed, Common thorn apple, Devil's apple, Mad apple
Also known as Datura inermis
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
An annual with a dangerous reputation that originates in the Americas where it has developed, in part, an unwholesome reputation. This makes a curious tall plant with yellow stems that carry large lobed leaves, looking a little like those of the oak tree. The leaves have an unpleasant odour. There are white funnel-shaped flowers that come out of deep cream calyces. These are followed by spiny-looking oval fruits with black seeds within. The plant is toxic and hallucinogenic, can cause pain and delirium, and is in fact downright dangerous and unsuited to domestic cultivation. Notwithstanding there are medicinal applications - it is said to be of use for sufferers of Parkinson's disease, for example. It is also occasionally seen growing wild in various parts of the country where its foetid aroma should deter chances of a close encounter.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Outdoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.