Jimson weed, thornapple. Jamestown weed
Datura stramonium and Datura tatula—SOLANACEAE
Description: An annual herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems with trumpet-shaped white flowers or thorny fruits formed in forks of the branches. Leaves pointed and with irregular margins. Datura tatula has purple stems. Both have spiny or prickly fruits which turn brown when ripe and spill out several small brownish-black, kidney-shaped seeds. These are also poisonous.
Poisonous Parts: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, etc.) similar to those of the deadly nightshade. ([See page 8].) Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poisoning can be experienced merely by handling the leaves. Children sometimes ingest the poisonous seeds or rub the eyes after touching the leaves and are then poisoned.
Antidote: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Hands should be washed with soap and water if in contact with the plant. Physicians treat for atropine poisoning.
NOTE: There are other species and varieties of Datura which contain similar poisonous principles although in lesser amounts. These are sometimes grown in gardens and greenhouses as ornamentals and are frequently called angel’s trumpet. They include Datura innoxia, Datura metel, D. metaloides, D. arborea, D. sanguinia, etc. Most have large trumpet-like, white or pinkish-white flowers and some reach small tree height. Observe same precautions as for jimson weed.
LARKSPUR
Larkspur, delphinium, lark’s claw, knight’s spur
Delphinium ajacis—RANUNCULACEAE
Description: The cultivated larkspurs found in New England are annuals or perennials found in many gardens and produce showy blossoms with many colors (usually white and violet-purple) growing on erect flower stalks. Leaves are divided into parts and have the general outline of a bird’s foot. The small seeds which form in dry follicles are usually pointed and very irregular in shape. The plant varies in height from 2 to 4 feet.
Poisonous Parts: Leaves and seeds contain toxic alkaloids which when ingested may affect the nervous system. Tingling sensations of the mouth may at first be experienced followed by excitation and severe depression. Animals poisoned by wild larkspurs growing on western ranges stagger and appear to develop symptoms of tetany. Powdered larkspur seed is also found in some commercial lice remedies.