Container Gardens
Moonflower Can Be A Dangerous Plant
Monday, December 1st, 2008
Datura stramonium also known as Moonflower is a form of a poisonous jimson weed. It is an annual that grows 4-6 feet in height and has dark green, long stemmed, lobed leaves that put off an odor. In summer white blooms appear and in the fall a thorny green seed pod ripens.
The plant is called Moonflower because the plant’s flower opens at night. It’s usually found along canals and irrigation banks. It is used to kill other weeds. However, the plant is dangerous and produces a mental high accompanied by hallucinations if ingested. The high is usually followed by nausea, fever, dizziness and other symptoms that can last for extended periods.
News articles have been written reporting it’s abuse by teens with some very serious after effects. The articles have cautioned people who are concerned about Moonflower in their yard or garden to contact local authorities.
