Datura stramonium
thorn apple
D. stramonium is a symmetrically branched annual, sometimes turning up as a weed, with large, coarsely toothed, oval leaves. White, trumpet-shaped flowers, sometimes flushed purple, are followed by spiny fruit up to 5cm long. This image shows D. stramonium var. chalybaea which is the purple flushed variety.
Other common names
apple of Perudevil'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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- All parts, especially the seeds, are highly poisonous by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or earlier under glass and planted out after the danger of frost
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally trouble free
Diseases
May be affected by a virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.