Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed
Datura stramonium

 Life cycle: summer annual
Growth habit: erect, 2 to 4 ft. high, branching, leaves large, coarsely toothed, wavy margins, alternate; all parts have strong, unpleasant odor and are poisonous
Reproduction: seed pod the size of a walnut and covered with sharp spines; flowers large, funnel-shaped, lavender on purple-stemmed plants or white on green-stemmed plants
Conditions that favor growth: primarily a weed of open fields or agronomic crops; found on all types of soil but prefers nutrient rich soils
Cultural control: manual cultivation before flowering occurs and seeds form; maintain regular mowing in open areas to prevent flowering