Sacred Datura (Datura inoxia): Night-Blooming Trumpets with a Warning

Sacred datura (Datura inoxia), also called Hindu datura, Indian apple, jimson weed, or thorn apple, is a sprawling annual or short-lived perennial with large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers that open at night and close by midday. The spiny, egg-shaped seed pods give rise to the name "thorn apple."

Characteristics

The plant forms a mound 2–4 feet tall and wide, with gray-green, softly hairy leaves. Flowers can reach 6–8 inches long and emit a sweet, honeysuckle-like scent at night, attracting moths. All parts of the plant are highly toxic (containing tropane alkaloids) and can be fatal if ingested.

Culture

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Often self-sows readily. Handle with gloves and keep away from children and pets. Historically used in sacred rituals, but extreme caution is required.

Taxonomy

• Family: Solanaceae
• Genus: Datura
• Species: inoxia
• Synonyms: Datura innoxia, Datura meteloides