Sacred Thorn-Apple

Datura wrightii

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Datura
Species:
Datura wrightii

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
6-8 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Bloom Months:
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
White

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: The plant is found in disturbed areas and sandy washes below 7,200ft in elevation across the southwest. Flowers are pollinated in the evening by sphinx moths and in the early morning by honey bees and native bees.

Source: npn.rngr.net