Ontario Weeds: Jimsonweed

Table of Contents

1. Name
2. Other Names
3. Family
4. General Description
   • Photos and Pictures
5. Stems and Roots
6. Flowers and Fruit
7. Habitat
8. Similar Species
9. Caution
10. Related Links

Name: Jimsonweed, Datura stramonium L.,

Other Names: stramoine commune, Stinkweed, Thornapple, pomme épineuse, herbe du diable

Family: Nightshade or Potato Family (Solanaceae) 

General Description: Annual, reproducing only by seed.

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Photos and Pictures

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Stems & Roots: Stems stout, erect, 90-200cm (3-6½ft) high, usually much-branched in the upper part, smooth and hairless, larger plants with the main stem often 5cm (2in.) or more in diameter; cotyledons (seed leaves) long-oval, 2-4cm (4/5-1½in.) long, shriveling but persisting on the developing seedling; first true leaves ovate with pointed tips and few or no lobes; later leaves distinctly alternate (1 per node), usually somewhat coarsely and sharply toothed or lobed, 10-20cm (4-8in.) long and long-stalked.

Flowers & Fruit: Flowers and seedpods short-stalked, borne singly in the angles between 2 or more stems and a leaf; calyx tubular or urn-shaped; corolla white or light purple, very long, tubular or trumpet-shaped, 7-10cm (3-4in.) long, the flared end with 5 points; seedpod at first green and fleshy with sharp, soft spines, becoming a large (2-5cm, 4/5-2in. across), dry, hard seedpod covered with very sharp, harsh spines and containing numerous black, flat, round seeds. Flowers from July to autumn.

Habitat: Jimsonweed occurs in the warmer parts of southern Ontario in cultivated fields and around farmyards.

Similar Species: It is distinguished by its tall, stout, branched stem (like small trees), large leaves, large, white or purplish trumpet-shaped flowers, large spiny seedpod and sour repulsive odour.

Caution: The whole plant has a sour repulsive odour and all parts of the plant are poisonous.

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Related Links

... on general Weed topics
... on weed identification, order OMAFRA Publication 505: Ontario Weeds
... on weed control, order OMAFRA Publication 75: Guide To Weed Control

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