Sacred Thorn-Apple
Datura wrightii
- Native to:
- Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States
iNaturalist: © tubbywubby00 (iNaturalist #47459794)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Solanaceae
- Genus:
- Datura
- Species:
- Datura wrightii
- USDA Symbol:
- DAWR2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, lavender
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculatus), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- sphinx moths, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from deep perennial rootstock after fire or frost damage.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warmth. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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