Datura species (e.g., metaloides, also called "jimsonweed" or "devil's weed"), a perennial herb, is found in all the major deserts of the American Southwest. It grows mostly in sandy washes and along substantial roadsides in our area. Its dark grayish-green, heart-shaped leaves form mounds from which, in summer to fall, sprout striking, 6-inch-long, bright-white flowers tinged with lavender which ripen to become sharp-prickly seed-pods.A plant of great beauty, datura is a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), and all parts of it are toxic. Every resident of or visitor to our desert should be wary of the Russian-roulette-like danger of consuming any of it.

Datura species (e.g., metaloides, also called "jimsonweed" or "devil's weed"), a perennial herb, is found in all the major deserts of the American Southwest. It grows mostly in sandy washes and along substantial roadsides in our area. Its dark grayish-green, heart-shaped leaves form mounds from which, in summer to fall, sprout striking, 6-inch-long, bright-white flowers tinged with lavender which ripen to become sharp-prickly seed-pods.A plant of great beauty, datura is a member of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), and all parts of it are toxic. Every resident of or visitor to our desert should be wary of the Russian-roulette-like danger of consuming any of it.