Sacred Datura Datura wrightii Regel
Description: Sacred Datura, also called Sacred Thorn-apple, is a native herb which is a member of the Nightshade Family (Solanaceae) that may grow as an annual or perennial. Stems are stout, mostly erect, branched, and may vary from 12”-40” tall. The petioled leaves are 2”-10” long, egg-shaped to elliptical with wavy to entire margins, often uneven at the base and covered with fine white to gray hairs. The calyx is 2¾”-5” long and the corolla is 6”-9” long and white to violet. The fruit is a spherical, spiny capsule that hangs or droops downward. Seeds are flat and numerous. Distribution and Habitat: Sacred Datura is found naturally in creosote bush, blackbrush, Joshua tree, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper communities at 2,275’-6,100’ in Garfield, Grand, Kane, Salt Lake, San Juan, Washington, and Wayne counties as well as from Colorado to Texas, west to California; and in Mexico. Sacred Datura reported in Salt Lake County may have been planted as an ornamental. General Information: Sacred Datura flowers are the largest flowers of any native plant in Utah. They are sweet scented while foliage is reported to smell like a wet dog. Flowers open in early evening and are closed most of the day. There are several similar species of Datura containing the toxic compounds, solanine alkaloids, including Sacred Datura and Jimsonweed (D. stramonium). Cattle are deemed more susceptible to poisoning; however, animals seldom ingest Datura species if other forage is available.
164
SOLANACEAE
DAWR2