Datura sp.
Jimson weed, thorn-apple
(c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wynand Uys · licence
Family: Solanaceae · Type: Annual · Variable; species dependent
Datura sp. (Jimson weed) is a non-native California annual in the Solanaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Calystegia: Datura has spiny seed pods; Calystegia has smooth, rounded capsules.; vs Brugmansia: Datura fruits are covered in spines; Brugmansia fruits are smooth elongated pods without spines.; vs Solanum: Datura has spiny capsules; Solanum has smooth berries.; vs Marah: Datura has herbaceous stems and trumpet flowers; Marah is a vine with tendrils and separate male/female flowers.; vs Ipomoea: Datura has spiny fruits and toothed leaves; Ipomoea has smooth capsules and often lobed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Datura sp. native to California?
No. Datura sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Datura sp. belong to?
Datura sp. is in the Solanaceae family, genus Datura.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.