Datura ferox
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Datura ferox

Fierce thorn-apple · Large thorn-apple · Long-spine thorn-apple · Long-spur thorn-apple · Angel's-trumpets

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–9
Click count
573
Observations
199

Description

Source: leafsnap

Datura ferox, commonly known as long spined thorn apple and fierce thornapple, as well as Angel's-trumpets, is a species of Datura. Like all such species, every part of the plant contains deadly toxins that can kill animals (including humans) that ingest it. Its fruit, red-brown when ripe, has unusually long thorns or spikes. The species was first described in 1756 by Linnaeus. Ferox means "strongly fortified," referring to the fearsome-looking spines on the seed pod. The species was long thought to have originated in southeastern China, but recent work by Symon and Haegi has demonstrated that, like all other Datura species, it is in fact native to the Americas. The species is very close in morphology to Datura quercifolia, of which it may constitute a subspecies. Today it is found in all the warm parts of the earth, where it is regarded as a dangerous pasture weed.Datura ferox is a stout, upright annual herb 1.5 to 3 ft (45 to 90 cm) high. Its thick stalks often have a red-violet color at the base. All the young shoots are noticeably hairy. The most conspicuous part of the plant is its very wide, undulate, irregularly toothed leaves, which are covered with soft, downy hairs. The yellowish white flowers are funnel-shaped and inconspicuous, and usually do not open completely.

🎭 Fear, gloom, strength, carefulness

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

The jimsonweed plant, native to sunny habitats, flourishes with plentiful sunlight, which promotes strong growth and good overall health. It can also tolerate conditions with less light. However, very low or excessively intense light can harm its vitality and vigor and may inhibit growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Jimsonweed originates from areas where temperatures range from 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It prefers warmer climates, so it's recommended to adjust conditions accordingly by placing it in cooler locations during hot seasons.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Jimsonweed responds well to regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf development. You should feed Jimsonweed about once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is essential for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Jimsonweed do well.

🪴 Pot & Repot

When repotting Jimsonweed, choose a pot that is 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) larger in diameter and that offers good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, and consider mixing in perlite to improve drainage. Repot in spring or early summer, water thoroughly afterward, and keep the plant in a shady spot at first.

✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Genus
Datura
Family
Solanaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Mature Height
0.61 m to 1.52 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Mexico, Bolivia

Tags (6)

Common Names (15)

en Fierce thorn-apple
en Large thorn-apple
en Long-spine thorn-apple
en Long-spur thorn-apple
en Angel's-trumpets
en False castor-oil
en Longspine Thorn-apple
en Angels'-trumpets
en Long-spined thorn apple
en Oak-leaved thorn apple
en Chinese Datura
en Fierce Thornapple
en Longspine Thornapple
en Chinese thorn-apple
en Chinese thornapple