[Illustration: Jimson weed, thornapple. Jamestown weed
_Datura stramonium and Datura tatula--SOLANACEAE_]
=Description=: An annual herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems
with trumpet-shaped white flowers or thorny fruits formed in forks
of the branches. Leaves pointed and with irregular margins. _Datura
tatula_ has purple stems. Both have spiny or prickly fruits which
turn brown when ripe and spill out several small brownish-black,
kidney-shaped seeds. These are also poisonous.
=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids
(=atropine=, =hyoscyamine=, =scopolamine=, etc.) similar to those
of the deadly nightshade. (See page 8.) Poisoning causes drying
of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and
central-nervous-system depression. Poisoning can be experienced merely
by handling the leaves. Children sometimes ingest the poisonous seeds
or rub the eyes after touching the leaves and are then poisoned.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Hands should be
washed with soap and water if in contact with the plant. Physicians
treat for =atropine= poisoning.
NOTE: There are other species and varieties of _Datura_ which contain
similar poisonous principles although in lesser amounts. These are
sometimes grown in gardens and greenhouses as ornamentals and are
frequently called angel’s trumpet. They include _Datura innoxia_,
_Datura metel_, _D. metaloides_, _D. arborea_, _D. sanguinia_, etc.
Most have large trumpet-like, white or pinkish-white flowers and some
reach small tree height. Observe same precautions as for jimson weed.