Jimson weed, also called thorn apple, is a large, bushy poisonous plant. It grows throughout North America and is common in the central part of the United States. The jimson weed reaches a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and has erect white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long. The jimson weed’s fruits are oval-shaped and prickly. This wildflower was a favorite of former U.S. first lady Lady Bird Johnson.
The drug Stramonine, also called daturine, is made from the leaves and seeds of the jimson weed. The name jimson is a popular shortening of Jamestown, which was an early Virginia settlement.
