Western jimson weed - Datura wrightii (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Western jimson weed

Also known as: Manit, Indian whiskey

Western jimson weed (Datura wrightii) is a flowering perennial plant in the nightshade family. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental flower due to its good ability to tolerate drought. Western jimson weed is toxic to humans and pets, and could lead to convulsions and coma if ingested. Nevertheless, it was once used by several Native American tribes as part of a rite of passage.

Scientific classification

Species

Western jimson weed (Datura wrightii)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

10 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Black, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Gray

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Western jimson weed

Distribution of Western jimson weed

Distribution Map

Western jimson weed is native to the southernwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can also be found naturalized in much of Australia and western Europe, as well as some central states of the United States. It grows as a ground vine in sunny areas, where the soil is sandy and well drained.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Open land, disturbed land, along roadsides with well-drained, sandy soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The rambling perennial western jimson weed adds interest to full-sun garden beds, nighttime gardens, and in borders, with its fragrant white trumpet blooms and spine-covered seed balls. They are also well-suited to container gardens or as part of xeriscapes, as they hold up well to drought. Companion plants included Aster and ornamental grasses.

Symbolism

Hex breaking, Sleep, Protection

Name Story

Western jimson weed: it is sometimes called "western Jimson weed" because of its similar appearance to Datura stramonium, the true jimson weed.

Nightshade: In clear weather, flowers bloom in the morning and evening and close during the heat of the day depending on the water availability. In cloudy weather, they may bloom earlier and longer. Therefore, it is called the nightshade.

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Toxicity

Poisoning from western jimson weed primarily occurs through accidental ingestion. All parts of the plant (bark, flowers, fruit, stems, seeds, and roots) are poisonous to humans, cats, and dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and more severe conditions like seizures and coma. Immediate veterinary care is crucial upon ingestion for pets.

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Weed Control

Native to southwestern USA and Mexico, western jimson weed is considered weedy in some regions, especially in disturbed areas. It has been listed as invasive in Australia but is not listed as invasive at the state or national level in the United States. It can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals and all parts of the plant are poisonous. However, it is commonly planted as an ornamental. Hand pulling, tilling, plowing, and herbicide can be effective means of controlling western jimson weed. Older plants become resistant to some herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season for removing western jimson weed is late spring to early summer. This is the time when the plant has begun to grow but has not yet produced seeds, allowing for effective prevention of further propagation. Here are several methods to control or remove this plant:

Hand Pulling: This is one of the simplest methods and doesn't require any special equipment. Simply grip the western jimson weed low on the stem, close to the ground, and pull up to remove the plant. Make sure to get as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Smothering: You can also use a sheet of cardboard or heavy-duty garden fabric to cover the area where the western jimson weed is growing. Keep this covering in place for several weeks or even months. This blocks sunlight and helps to kill off the plant.
Solarization: In this method, a clear plastic tarp is placed over the area containing western jimson weed. The sun's rays, intensified by the plastic, heat the soil to levels that can kill the plant. Leave the tarp in place for at least 6 weeks during the hottest part of the summer.
Vinegar Spray: As a natural method, you can create a homemade weed killer using vinegar. Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of table salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. Spray this solution directly onto the western jimson weed during a hot, sunny day for the best effect.
Biological Control: Certain animals, like goats and sheep, are known to eat western jimson weed. Introducing these animals into an area with a heavy presence of this weed can help control its growth naturally. However, care must be taken as western jimson weed is a toxic plant, and not all animals may be able to safely consume it.

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Quickly Identify Western jimson weed

Trumpet-shaped flowers, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, varying from white to soft violet, emitting sweet fragrance.

Spiny fruit resembling a spiked capsule, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, transitioning from green to brown.

Large, dark green leaves, 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, emitting a foul smell, with wavy margins.

Gray-green stem with fine hairs, 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick, displaying sympodial branching pattern.

Fragrant trumpet flowers, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, with symmetrical arrangement of fused petals.

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Care Guide for Western jimson weed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Western jimson weed thrives in arid environments, exhibiting drought tolerance with a weekly watering schedule. As an outdoor plant, it relies on natural rainfall, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot from overwatering.

Propagation: Western jimson weed propagates best through sowing in Spring. Propagation difficulty is moderate, with successful signs being healthy roots and vigorous growth. Use well-draining soil to ensure optimal success.

Repotting: Repotting western jimson weed every 2-3 years in early spring enhances its growth. Choose a pot 2 inches larger and provide indirect sunlight with moist soil post-repot. Consistent care is crucial for optimal recovery and a bushy form.

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Images of Western jimson weed

Distribution of Western jimson weed

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Western jimson weed

Care Guide for Western jimson weed

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