Places Where the Jimson Weed Plant Grows Naturally

Origins

• Botanists aren't in agreement about the origins of jimson weed. Many believe it originated in North or Central America, where it grows abundantly. Alphonse de Candolle, a 19th-century European botanist, believed it originated near the Caspian Sea, because it is abundant in southern Russia. If so, it may have been transplanted by gypsies and placed aboard ships heading to America. The name "datura" comes from India -- it is derived from the Sanskrit word "dhustura," which refers to Datura fastuosa, the species native to that country. The Indians have long been aware if its narcotic properties and have frequently used the plant as a poison.

Natural Habitat

• Jimson weed is a survivor, able to make do in adverse conditions. But like all plants, it has preferences. Among these are full sun and dry, porous soil. It thrives in pasture lands, in cultivated fields and along railroad tracks and roadways. It doesn't do well, on the other hand, in dense soil with high amounts of loam or clay, in which its roots are more susceptible to fungus, but the addition of rocks that aerate the soil aids its growth considerably. Jimson weed can alter the size of its leaves and flowers to compensate for its environment.

Occurrence in North America

• Jimson weed grows in every state except Wyoming and in the southern parts of most Canadian provinces. It prefers flatlands and pastures, but will also grow in garbage and waste dumps. It isn't a high-altitude plant, however, and isn't found in the mountains above 4,900 feet. It basically grows in any soil that supports other weeds, and because it is a good competitor for water, it can supplant the other weeds. It is illegal in some states, particularly Virginia, which was the site of an accidental poisoning of British soldiers by a salad made of its leaves in 1676. Accordingly, one of its names is Jamestown weed.

Toxicity

• Jimson weed, like all species of Datura, contains the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. It is considered a delirient, and some people use it to induce visions. The effects of ingesting any part of the plant, especially the seeds, can last for several days -- the soldiers who consumed it at Jamestown were reportedly affected for 11 days. The Datura toxins cross the blood brain barrier and interfere with the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Among the toxic effects are excessive dryness, urine retention, euphoria, hallucinations, fever, delirium, bizarre and possibly violent behavior, rapid heartbeat and hyper-dilation of the pupils that can lead to photophobia. Datura ingestion can be fatal.