Jimson Weed
Datura stramonium
NEMBA category
English: Jimson Weed, Thorn Apple
Datura stramonium, also known as Jimson Weed or Thorn-apple, is an erect, annual herb with a branched stem. It has distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed capsules. This plant poses a risk to livestock and humans due to its toxicity.
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Origins: Central and South America
Overall Appearance: An erect, annual, freely branching herb that forms a bush 60 to 150 cm tall.
Leaves: Large, irregularly toothed leaves with a dark green upper surface and a paler underside.
Flowers: White, trumpet-shaped flowers in summer
Fruits: Spiny, egg-shaped seed capsules.
Seeds: Numerous, black seeds.
Soil Type: Tolerates a range of soil types.
Aspect: Full sun or partial shade.
Poisonous Parts: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous. They contain toxic alkaloids that can be fatal if ingested.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa.
Note: Datura stramonium is a highly toxic and invasive weed. It can compete with crops and native plants, and its ingestion can be fatal to livestock and humans.
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