Common Name: Oak Leaf Datura

General Information

Datura quercifolia is an erect, robust annual plant that can grow up to 150cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses[].
All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing various alkaloids, notably atropine (daturine).

Botanical References

Range

South-western N. America - Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and through Mexico to Honduras.

Habitat

Roadsides, and as a weed of fertle wasteland; at elevations from 1,200 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Moths
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Datura quercifolia is not hardy in the colder areas of the temperate zone, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Prefers a rich light sandy soil[] and an open sunny position[]. Grows best in a fertile calcareous soil[].
This species is closely related to Datura stramonium[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - ground up and mixed with clay[] ( the clay probably has a neutralizing effect on the toxins). A very toxic plant, its use cannot be recommended. The fruit is about 7cm long and 6cm wide[].

A stupefying beverage is made from the leaves and roots[].

Medicinal

The whole plant is narcotic[]. It has been used in the past to deaden pain, treat insomnia etc, but any use of this plant should only be carried out under the supervision of a qualified practitioner since the difference between the medicinal dose and a toxic dose is very small.

Agroforestry Uses:

Datura species are extremely susceptible to the various viruses that afflict the potato family (Solanaceae), it can act as a centre of infection so should not be grown near potatoes or tomatoes[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Sow the seed in individual pots in early spring in a greenhouse[]. Put 3 or 4 seeds in each pot and thin if necessary to the best plant. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 15°c. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Especially in areas with hot summers, it is worthwhile trying a sowing outdoors in situ in mid to late spring.