JIMSON WEED
Jimson weed, thornapple. Jamestown weedDatura stramonium and Datura tatula—SOLANACEAE
Jimson weed, thornapple. Jamestown weedDatura stramonium and Datura tatula—SOLANACEAE
Description:An annual herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems with trumpet-shaped white flowers or thorny fruits formed in forks of the branches. Leaves pointed and with irregular margins.Datura tatulahas purple stems. Both have spiny or prickly fruits which turn brown when ripe and spill out several small brownish-black, kidney-shaped seeds. These are also poisonous.
Poisonous Parts:Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (atropine,hyoscyamine,scopolamine, etc.) similar to those of the deadly nightshade. (See page 8.) Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poisoning can be experienced merely by handling the leaves. Children sometimes ingest the poisonous seeds or rub the eyes after touching the leaves and are then poisoned.
Antidote:Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Hands should be washed with soap and water if in contact with the plant. Physicians treat foratropinepoisoning.
NOTE:There are other species and varieties ofDaturawhich contain similar poisonous principles although in lesser amounts. These are sometimes grown in gardens and greenhouses as ornamentals and are frequently called angel’s trumpet. They includeDatura innoxia,Datura metel,D. metaloides,D. arborea,D. sanguinia, etc. Most have large trumpet-like, white or pinkish-white flowers and some reach small tree height. Observe same precautions as for jimson weed.