Jimsonweed Abuse

Abstract

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a plant found commonly throughout the United States. It is a member of the Solanum family to which other common plants, such as the potato, also belong. The genus Datura is found throughout the world under a variety of common names. All have similar pharmacologic activity. The botanical and common names for some of the Datura genus are shown in Table 1. Also listed are some examples of the Solanaceae family and others that have similar anticholinergic pharmacology and presentation. Datura stramonium is a plant which grows to the height of three to six feet. Other members of the genus may be tree-like and grow to heights of more than 20 feet, especially in South America. D stramonium is an annual herb which grows from midspring to the first hard freeze; it reproduces primarily from seeds. It has dark green leaves similar to but larger than those seen on common tomato plants. It blooms approximately two months after it begins growth and develops long white flowers, lending the name "angel's trumpet" to members of this species. If the temperature condition at night does not fall below approximately 58°F, the fruit will set at the base of these flowers. A round fruit with spines will develop, thus the name "thron apple" (Figs 1 and 2).