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Datura quercifolia - Kunth.

Common Name Oak Leaf Datura, Chinese thorn-apple
Family Solanaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses[200].
Habitats Roadsides, 1200 - 1800 metres in Arizona.
Range South-western N. America - Arizona to Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Datura quercifolia Oak Leaf Datura, Chinese thorn-apple


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Datura quercifolia Oak Leaf Datura, Chinese thorn-apple

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Datura quercifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Drink

Fruit - ground up and mixed with clay[161] ( the clay probably has a neutralizing effect on the toxins). A very toxic plant, its use cannot be recommended. The fruit is about 7cm long and 6cm wide[200]. A stupefying beverage is made from the leaves and roots[161].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Narcotic

The whole plant is narcotic[200]. It has been used in the past to deaden pain, treat insomnia etc, but any use of this plant should only be carried out under the supervision of a qualified practitioner since the difference between the medicinal dose and a toxic dose is very small.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Unlike Datura inoxia Datura quercifolia does not have much ornamental value. Datura species are extremely susceptible to the various viruses that afflict the potato family (Solanaceae), it can act as a centre of infection so should not be grown near potatoes or tomatoes[200].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a rich light sandy soil[1] and an open sunny position[200]. Grows best in a fertile calcareous soil[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. This species is extremely susceptible to the various viruses that afflict the potato family (Solanaceae), it can act as a centre of infection so should not be grown near potatoes or tomatoes[200]. Closely related to D. stramonium[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Sow the seed in individual pots in early spring in a greenhouse[200]. Put 3 or 4 seeds in each pot and thin if necessary to the best plant. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 15°c. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Especially in areas with hot summers, it is worthwhile trying a sowing outdoors in situ in mid to late spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Oak-leaf thorn-apple, Chinese thorn-apple, Oak leaf datura.

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Datura inoxiaDowny Thorn Apple, PricklyburrAnnual1.0 8-11  LMNDM131
Datura metelThorn Apple, Angel's Trumpet, Hindu Datura, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn AppleAnnual1.5 8-11 MLMNDM13 
Datura stramoniumThorn Apple, Jimsonweed, Jamestown WeedAnnual1.5 6-9 MLMNDM041

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Kunth.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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