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Downy Thorn-Apple Datura innoxia

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Downy Thorn-Apple:

Phonetic Spelling
dah-TUR-ah in-OX-see-ah
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Downy thorn-apple is a tender herbaceous perennial, often grown as an annual, with a 3 foot spread. In its native environment of the Southwestern United States, It is a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is usually found in sandy or gravelly dry open places. Several places now consider the plant to be invasive. All parts are extremely toxic if consumed.

The plant displays 7 to 8 inch cream, pink, and lavender tubular flowers, which open in the evening, but only last to late afternoon of the next day. Flowers will bloom intermittently from mid-summer to frost. It is planted throughout the world as an ornamental for its attractive large leaves and flowers. Flowers are followed by downy, spherical fruit covered with stiff spines, hence the common name of downy thorn apple.

Downy thorn-apple tolerates average soil, even alkaline or sandy soil, but prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It does not do well in full shade. It is winter hardy to USDA Zone 9 to 10. Most plantings of downy thorn apple are nursery plants; however, it can be started indoors from seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost and set plants out after that date. Plants tend to sprawl and should be spaced about 3 feet apart or staked and supported. Deadheading flowers is not necessary, but self-seeding may occur if the plants are not deadheaded. Seeds can be collected and saved for planting in the following spring. Container plants can be cut back and overwintered indoors in a sunny window.

Species of Datura are sometimes confused with those of Brugmansia (also called angel's trumpet), but Datura flowers face upward, whereas Brugmansia flowers are pendulous.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Extremely susceptible to the viruses that afflict the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Downy thorn-apple should not be grown near potatoes or tomatoes.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#fragrant flowers#shrub#spreading#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#sprawling#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#problem for cattle#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#fragrant flowers#shrub#spreading#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#attractive leaves#sprawling#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#problem for cattle#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Datura
    Species:
    innoxia
    Family:
    Solanaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central America, Arizona to Texas and Mexico
    Distribution:
    Eastern Canada and middle Atlantic United States. Africa, India, and Australia.
    Edibility:
    Poisonous. Use with extreme caution.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Capsule splits open irregularly when ripe to disperse its seeds. Seeds are long-lived and can remain dormant in the soil for many years.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Seven to eight inch tubular flower; cream, pink, or lavender. Single or double, upward-facing trumpets (to 7 inches long and 4 inches wide at the mouth) have a sweetly overpowering fragrance. Blossoms from mid-Summer to first frost and opens in late afternoon and on cloudy days.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Sinuate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Wavy-margined, dark green leaves (to 8 inches long) have a downy texture.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Nighttime Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small dose.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Contains several alkaloids, the most active of which is scopolamine.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Stems