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 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
- 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
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.