Sacred Datura
Datura wrightii
Also known as Western Jimsonweed, Sacred Thorn-apple, Hoary Thorn-apple
Climate Match for your location
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Sacred Datura is a sprawling desert shrub with large, trumpet-shaped white to pale purple flowers that open in the evening and emit a sweet fragrance. It thrives in hot, arid conditions and requires minimal water once established.
Why grow it
Sacred Datura offers reliable nocturnal flowering and fragrance in low-water desert landscapes where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to other evening bloomers like moonflower vine, it requires less maintenance once established and tolerates poor soils typical of arid regions. Its sprawling form provides ground coverage in xeriscape designs without competing for resources with established perennials.
Watch out for
Plants self-seed readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers prevents unwanted volunteer seedlings in following seasons. The sprawling growth habit can overtake nearby plantings if not periodically pruned back, particularly in years with above-average moisture. Flowering and growth patterns vary considerably by local climate and elevation, so establishment may take longer in marginal zones.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Solanaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Sacred Datura is a sprawling desert shrub with large, trumpet-shaped white to pale purple flowers that open in the evening and emit a sweet fragrance. It thrives in hot, arid conditions and requires minimal water once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sacred Datura grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sacred Datura offers reliable nocturnal flowering and fragrance in low-water desert landscapes where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to other evening bloomers like moonflower vine, it requires less maintenance once established and tolerates poor soils typical of arid regions. Its sprawling form provides ground coverage in xeriscape designs without competing for resources with established perennials.
Watch out for
Plants self-seed readily in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers prevents unwanted volunteer seedlings in following seasons. The sprawling growth habit can overtake nearby plantings if not periodically pruned back, particularly in years with above-average moisture. Flowering and growth patterns vary considerably by local climate and elevation, so establishment may take longer in marginal zones.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Solanaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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