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Annual Biennial

Datura stramonium

thorn apple

A symmetrically branched annual, found in garden borders, on roadsides and on wasteland, with large, coarsely toothed, oval green leaves. White, trumpet-shaped flowers, sometimes flushed purple appear in July to October are followed by spiny fruit up to 5cm long

Other common names
apple of Peru
devil's apple
see moredevil's ladder
devil's trumpet
dewtry
fireweed
gypsum weed
gypsy weed
Jamestown lily
Jamestown weed
Jimson weed
loco weed
mad apple
stinkweed
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green Green
Autumn Purple White Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Solanaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten, skin irritant, avoid eye contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Datura can be large annuals or short-lived perennials, with simple, coarsely toothed leaves and often fragrant, funnel-shaped white or purple flowers followed by spiny seed-capsules

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Cosmopolitan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun. Can be used for summer bedding and is not invasive within the UK. See thorn apple for further information and advice on how to control

Propagation

Prefers warmer climates, but seeds can germinate well in situ in spring and retain their viability when buried within the soil, germinating when disturbed with the potential to become a nuisance

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

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