The genus Datura is a group of striking flowering plants, often sought for their dramatic visual presence in night gardens. Commonly known as moonflower, thorn apple, or devil’s trumpet, these plants belong to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Datura is characterized by large, upward-facing, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening and release a sweet fragrance. These herbaceous annuals or short-lived perennials produce distinctive, often spiny, capsule-like seed pods. Gardeners prize them for their fast growth and exotic appearance in warm climates.
Identifying Datura Species and Cultivars
Understanding the specific Datura species is important, as differences extend beyond aesthetics. The most frequently cultivated species include Datura stramonium, Datura metel, and Datura innoxia. D. stramonium, known as Jimsonweed, typically has white or purplish flowers up to four inches long and produces an erect, spiny fruit capsule.
D. metel is often grown for ornamental cultivars, which display double or triple flowers in colors ranging from white to deep purple and yellow. Its mature fruit is usually nodding and covered with short, blunt tubercles. D. innoxia, or downy thornapple, is distinguished by velvety, gray-green foliage and larger, fragrant white flowers that can reach eight inches. Its fruit capsule is spiny, but the plant tends to have a more upright, bushy habit.
The distinction between Datura and the closely related genus Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet) is a frequent point of confusion. The easiest way to tell them apart is by growth habit and flower position. Datura species are herbaceous annuals or short-lived perennials with flowers that point upward or outward. Brugmansia are woody shrubs or small trees, perennial in warm climates, whose large, showy flowers hang distinctly downward.
Toxicity and Legal Considerations
All parts of the Datura plant, including the seeds, leaves, flowers, and roots, contain high concentrations of potent tropane alkaloids. The primary compounds are scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, all anticholinergics. Ingestion of any part of the plant is extremely risky and can lead to a severe and potentially fatal condition known as anticholinergic toxidrome.
Symptoms often begin with a high heart rate, dilated pupils, fever, and confusion. This progresses rapidly into intense hallucinations, delirium, seizures, coma, and respiratory depression, which can result in death. The concentration of these alkaloids varies significantly depending on the plant’s age, environment, and specific part, making a safe dose impossible to determine. Neither cooking nor drying the plant material removes the toxic properties.
While Datura is not a federally controlled substance in the United States, its legal status is subject to state and local jurisdiction, particularly concerning intent. Several states and municipalities restrict its possession or use for psychoactive purposes. For example, possession of Datura stramonium is a Schedule I controlled substance in Kansas. Louisiana law prohibits the distribution or possession of Datura if intended for human consumption. Potential buyers must verify all local ordinances before acquiring or cultivating the plant, as legal restrictions vary widely.
Reliable Sources for Acquisition
The most common way to acquire Datura is by purchasing seeds, which are widely available through specialized online seed vendors. These companies often offer a variety of species and cultivars, including double-flowered forms of D. metel and large-flowered D. innoxia. When purchasing seeds, choose vendors who specialize in rare or exotic ornamentals, as they are more likely to provide correctly identified species.
Large e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces also host numerous sellers. Buyers should exercise caution to confirm the botanical name and seller reliability. Since common names are frequently interchanged, confirming the genus is important to ensure you receive Datura and not the tree-like Brugmansia. Examine product descriptions for key words like “annual” and “upward-facing flowers” to verify identity.
Live plants are less frequently found at major retail garden centers due to toxicity risks. However, smaller, independent nurseries, local plant sales, or botanical garden specialty sales may occasionally offer young Datura plants, particularly ornamental varieties. These sources typically carry live specimens seasonally, in late spring or early summer, ready for planting after the last frost. For unique or rare cultivars, specialized exotic plant exchanges or forums may connect buyers directly with small-scale growers.
Safe Handling and Cultivation Practices
Once acquired, Datura requires responsible handling and careful placement to prevent accidental exposure. Because the sap and plant material are toxic, gardeners should always wear gloves when pruning, transplanting seedlings, or harvesting the spiny seed pods. Waste material, including spent flowers, clipped stems, and dead foliage, should be disposed of securely, preferably by bagging and discarding it rather than composting, to prevent accidental ingestion by wildlife or pets.
Datura thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. The plants are fast-growing and produce flowers from mid-summer until the first hard frost. Since Datura species are prolific self-seeders, regular deadheading—removing spent flowers before they form seed capsules—is recommended to prevent aggressive spreading.
Placement is paramount for safety, especially in a domestic setting. It should be cultivated in a secure area inaccessible to children, pets, and grazing animals. For container-grown plants, consider placing them on high ledges or balconies where they cannot be easily touched. These precautions ensure the plant’s dramatic beauty can be appreciated without risking accidental ingestion.