The term “Clovis Plant” may appear in various discussions, often leading to curiosity about the specific plant it refers to. This name is not a formal botanical designation but rather a colloquial identifier for a plant with distinctive features and a notable presence in certain regions. Understanding the plant behind this common name can help clarify its characteristics, cultivation, and important considerations for those encountering it.
What is the “Clovis Plant”?
The plant known as the “Clovis Plant” is scientifically identified as Datura wrightii. It is also recognized by other common names, including Sacred Datura, Indian Apple, Sacred Thorn-Apple, or Western Jimson Weed. This perennial plant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Datura wrightii is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, thriving in subtropical climates. Its association with the “Clovis” name likely stems from its prevalence in regions where the ancient Clovis culture once existed, particularly in the Southwestern United States. It is frequently found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, ditches, sandy washes, and floodplains.
Identifying Sacred Datura
Sacred Datura has distinct physical characteristics. This herbaceous perennial grows as a sprawling, mounding plant, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet and spreading up to 6 feet wide. Its leaves are large, broad, rounded at the base, tapering to a point, and have a grayish-green, velvety, or hairy texture. When crushed, the leaves may emit an unpleasant odor.
The most striking feature of Datura wrightii is its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These showy blossoms are white, sometimes tinged with purple or lavender. They can measure 6 to 8 inches long and 5 to 8 inches across, with five narrow points. The flowers are sweetly fragrant and open in the late afternoon or evening, attracting night-flying pollinators.
Following the flowers, the plant produces globe-shaped, spiny seed capsules, measuring 1 to 2 inches wide. These greenish fruits split open when ripe, releasing numerous flattened, yellow-brown seeds.
Growing Sacred Datura
Cultivating Sacred Datura is straightforward, as it is a resilient plant adapted to challenging conditions. This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, with full sun exposure leading to more prolific flowering. It is well-suited to USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Sacred Datura grows well in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, clay, rocky, or gritty soils. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor or lean conditions, as waterlogging can be detrimental. Once established, Datura wrightii is drought-tolerant and requires low to occasional watering, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes. While it can survive on native rainfall, supplemental irrigation can encourage larger growth and more abundant blooms. The plant dies back to the ground after winter freezes but resprouts with the return of warmer weather.
Important Safety Information
Datura wrightii is a highly toxic plant, and all parts, including the seeds, flowers, and roots, contain dangerous levels of anticholinergic tropane alkaloids. Ingestion of any part of the plant can be fatal to humans and animals. Symptoms of ingestion can include:
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged pupils
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Panic
- Seizures
Deliberate consumption, particularly by adolescents seeking a mind-altering experience, can result in severe illness, permanent organ damage, and even mental impairment or death.
Contact with the plant can also pose risks. Its leaves can cause dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin, and the sap may be an irritant. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling Datura wrightii to prevent skin irritation.
Due to its toxicity, it is important to ensure that children and pets do not have access to the plant. In some areas, the purchase, sale, or cultivation of Datura plants may be prohibited or subject to legal restrictions due to their psychoactive properties. The plant’s unpleasant smell and bitter taste make accidental ingestion by small children unlikely, but caution remains paramount.