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Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (*Datura stramonium*) is a poisonous annual flowering plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a poisonous annual flowering plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers, spiny seed capsules, and toxic tropane alkaloids, which can cause severe poisoning. The plant is widely distributed and considered a weed or invasive species in many regions.

Description

Jimsonweed is an erect, branching annual with large leaves, white or pale purple trumpet-shaped flowers, and a spiny seed capsule. It is recognized as a common weedy species in disturbed ground and cultivated areas.

Distribution and habitat

The plant is now found in many temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Sources describe it as native or probably native to parts of the Americas, though its exact origin is uncertain.

Toxicity and effects

Jimsonweed contains atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which make the plant highly toxic to humans and animals. Ingestion can cause hallucinations, delirium, and severe poisoning, and medical sources warn against recreational use.

Uses and cultural history

Some indigenous and traditional medical systems have used jimsonweed ceremonially or medicinally, and the plant has a long history of reported psychoactive use. Despite these uses, it is widely regarded as dangerous because of its narrow margin between exposure and poisoning.

Key facts

  • Jimsonweed is the common name for Datura stramonium, a poisonous annual plant in the nightshade family.
  • It is a weed or invasive species in many regions and grows in disturbed habitats.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous, with seeds especially toxic.
  • Its tropane alkaloids can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, and other anticholinergic effects.
  • The plant has been used in traditional practices but is also associated with dangerous poisonings and fatalities.
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Canadian context

Jimsonweed occurs in parts of Canada, including widespread areas of southern Ontario and other temperate regions, where it is treated as a toxic weed of concern.[8]

Frequently asked questions

What is jimsonweed?
Jimsonweed is the common name for Datura stramonium, a poisonous annual plant in the nightshade family.
Is jimsonweed poisonous?
Yes. All parts of the plant are toxic, and the seeds are often described as especially dangerous.
What symptoms can jimsonweed cause?
Reported effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, and other serious anticholinergic symptoms.
Where does jimsonweed grow?
It grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, pastures, barnyards, and waste places, and it is now widespread in many parts of the world.
Why is it called jimsonweed?
One source says the name comes from “Jamestown weed,” linked to an incident involving English soldiers in colonial Virginia.
Has jimsonweed been used medicinally?
Yes. Some sources note traditional and limited medicinal uses, but they also stress that the plant is highly toxic and unsafe without expert control.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura_stramonium
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, poisonous nature, and traditional/recreational use context.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/jimsonweed
    Supports: Definition, distribution, toxicity, alkaloids, and historical/ceremonial uses.
  3. Utah State University Extension — https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forbs-herbaceous/jimsonweed
    Supports: Scientific name and toxic alkaloids.
  4. NC State University Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/datura-stramonium/
    Supports: Description, habitat, origin, and Jamestown name history.
  5. Cornell CALS — https://cals.cornell.edu/weed-science/weed-profiles/jimsonweed
    Supports: Distribution, toxicity, and plant family.
  6. Iowa State University Extension — https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/jimsonweed
    Supports: Description, native status, and toxicity.
  7. EDDMapS — https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5521
    Supports: Global distribution, introduction pathway, and toxicity.