Jimsonweed (Datura spp.)
Jimsonweed, also known as datura, is a native, low-growing, foul-smelling plant of the nightshade family. All parts of the plant are very poisonous.
- Jimsonweed can be a perennial but most of the 9 species native to North America are annuals.
- It is also known as thornapple because the seed pod resembles a large cocklebur.
- Found throughout Texas and the United States.
- Grows in rich soils, on disturbed sites, old fields and around old homesteads because the plant has been used as an ornamental for many years.
- The flowers are very large, showy and white to lavender in color. The flowers have been called “angel trumpets” because of the shape and size. They open in the late afternoon and are pollinated by hawk moths.
Jimsonweed contains a toxic compound called a tropane alkaloid that causes anticholinergic poisoning if ingested by humans or animals. The result can be a variety of symptoms ranging from dilation of pupils, impaired vision, convulsions and hallucinations, generally followed by coma. Poisoning can be fatal.
The plant was used medicinally by Native Americans, as well as a narcotic. It can be traced back to Jamestown in 1676, where it was used by British soldiers as an intoxicant. It was thereafter referred to as “Jamestown weed.”
Jimsonweed is usually not ingested by livestock but many poisonings have occurred when hungry animals are placed in a lot or corrals and consume the plant. There is no known cure for poisoning.
Some animals have recovered if hand fed a healthy diet and given plenty of fresh water.
Jimsonweed can be easily controlled by a properly timed application of herbicide or by mechanical grubbing. ❚
Editor’s note: Kent Ferguson, retired rangeland management specialist from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is providing us with plant identification photo stories to help ranchers identify those forbs, forages and species growing in the pastures. Additional photos provided by USDA NRCS.
Jimsonweed is excerpted from the September 2017 issue of The Cattleman magazine.