| Thorn Apple | |
| Datura inoxia | |
| a.k.a. Jimson Weed, Angel's Trumpet, Stinkweed, Pricklyburr |
Low lying, spreading perennial with very pretty, 6-12" long lavender-white flowers.
Description: Low lying, short-lived perennial, usually only growing 1-3ft
in height, but may spread out several feet. To continue blooming, unripe
fruits should be cut off (this also stops the plant from becoming a
pest). This species is closely related to, and sometime confused with
or incorporated into Datura stramonium - jimson weed. D.
inoxia tends to be even more poisonous than jimson weed.
Hardiness: The thorn apple is very
hardy, and will survive outdoors pretty much anywhere in the United
States, except for extreme winter areas.
Growing Environment: Grows
in pretty much any soil type, will survive droughts and isn't picky
about climate.
Propagation: Plants grow readily from seeds and the plant can
become weedy if left unchecked.
Uses: The thorn apple is usually planted as an ornamental, but in many areas in can become weedy if unchecked. Historically the plant was used for medicinal purposes but all parts of this plant are highly poisonous (it is sometimes labeled as the most poisonous plant on Earth, although this is subjective). No part of this plant should ever be injested.
Native Range: There is confusion about its true native range, its may be native to either Asia or parts of Central or South America. In either case, the thorn apple now grows practically all over the globe.
