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Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Jimsonweed (Thorn Apple) The non-native (tropical) Jimsonweed is common in our area. It prefers full or partial sun and moist to slightly moist rich fertile soil. Habitats include cropland (particularly corn fields), fallow fields, old feed lots, piles of soil at construction sites, and mounds of decomposed mulch and discarded vegetation. This summer annual is about 3-5' tall with green or purple stems. The alternate smooth leaves are up to 8" long and 6" across, pinnately-lobed and exude a bitter rank odor. Individual flowers occur where the stems branch dichotomously. The funnel-shaped corolla of each flower is up to 5" long and 2" across when fully open. The corolla is white or pale violet except at the throat where thick veins of dark violet occur.
Jimsonweed along Minkler Road
August 29, 2013 The Jimsonweed flower lasts one day, usually opening up about midnight and closing by late morning.
Jimsonweed along Minkler Road August 26, 2013
Jimsonweed unopened flowers along Minkler Road August 29, 2013
Jimsonweed fruit along Minkler Road August 29, 2013
This
member of the Nightshade family contains chemicals such as
atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine that interfere with one of the
chemical messengers (acetylcholine) in the brain and nerves. It has
been used for ages in treating asthma, coughing, influenza, swine flu and
nerve diseases despite serious safety concerns. Some people use it as a
recreational drug to cause hallucinations and a heightened sense of
well-being (euphoria). Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
