Datura wrightii Family: Solanaceae – Potato Family Annual or perennial herbs; poisonous; stems are 11.8” to 3.3' (3 to 10 dm) tall Leaves: alternate (or subopposite, especially toward the branch ends); simple; can be toothed; 2” to 10” (5 to 25 cm) long Flowers: 5 united large trumpet-shaped white tubular petals; 5 lobed green tubular sepals; 5 distinct stamens; flowers are ill-scented and open in the evening; 6” to 9.2” (15 to 23 cm) long Pollinators: moths Fruits: capsule covered with prickles Blooms in Arches National Park: May, June, July, August, September, October Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: Devils Garden trailhead, Moab Other: The genus name, “Datura”, is from the Hindu vernacular name “Dhatura”. The species name, “wrightii”, honors American botanical collector, Charles Wright (1811-1885). This is a poisonous, narcotic plant that can lead to death if eaten. |
Last updated: February 5, 2022