Jimsonweed
Datura stramonium
Also known as: Smoooth Thorn-Apple
- Native to:
- Mexico
No machine-readable author provided. Taka assumed (based on copyright claims).
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Datura
- Species:
- Datura stramonium
- USDA Symbol:
- DAST
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Host Plant for Caterpillars
corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculatus), Pink-spotted hawk moth (Agrius cingulata), Sweetpotato Armyworm (Spodoptera dolichos), T-moth (Emmelina monodactyla), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli), Yellownecked caterpillar (Datana integerrima)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- sphinx moths, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained sandy loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in disturbed soils and waste areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).