Moonflower
Ipomoea alba is a vine with round leaves and no spiny capsules.
Use the botanical sourceToxic · do not eat
Jimsonweed.
Datura stramonium
Also found as Thorn apple · Datura
A rank-smelling weed with large white to violet trumpet flowers and spiny seed capsules, all parts highly toxic.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Toxic. Keep out of food and tea.
Poison help Tropane alkaloids cause delirium, fever, rapid heart rate and death. Seeds contaminate grain and vegetable crops. Seek urgent help after exposure.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 28,142
- People who recorded it
- 16,103
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jul–Oct
- Records span
- 1979–2026
| January | 495 |
|---|---|
| February | 432 |
| March | 514 |
| April | 607 |
| May | 645 |
| June | 1482 |
| July | 3568 |
| August | 5200 |
| September | 4891 |
| October | 4034 |
| November | 1561 |
| December | 656 |
| January | 390 |
|---|---|
| February | 471 |
| March | 474 |
| April | 938 |
| May | 467 |
| June | 223 |
| July | 189 |
| August | 110 |
| September | 128 |
| October | 177 |
| November | 210 |
| December | 280 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Coarse, lobed and toothed leaves with an unpleasant smell.
- 02
Large white to pale violet trumpet-shaped flowers.
- 03
Egg-shaped spiny seed capsules that split into four parts.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Angel's trumpet
Brugmansia has hanging trumpets and is equally toxic.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Probably native to the Americas; now a weed worldwide.
Watch the plant stage
Hazard exists at every growth stage.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Observe. Leave intact.
Do not eat, brew, taste or collect for the pantry.
Care for the patch
Remove from vegetable gardens before seeds set, wearing gloves.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Datura stramoniumBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Datura stramoniumTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction