More on Datura

   There are two species of Datura in this area: Datura stramonium and Datura wrightii. Here are some distinguishing characteristics so you can tell them apart.

   Datura wrightii

• Range: Everywhere on the Colorado Plateau between 600 and 1500 meters. This is the plant we see all over the Colorado River corridor.
• Fruit: (the thistle) is pendulous; it hangs down, and has many more spikes.
• Leaves: ovate to oblong with smooth edges. The base of the leaf is uneven on the stem.
• Type: herbaceous perennial.
• Corolla: 12-20 cm long.
• Habitat: lives in sandy to loamy soils.

   Datura stramonium (Jimson weed)

• Range: found only in a few places in the Southwest, yet native to the Eastern portion of the continent. Was introduced to Utah by the Mormons and is slowly making its way to Arizona.
• Fruit: stands erect and has less spines.
• Leaves: ovate to oblong, yet toothed along the edges.
• Type: herbaceous annual.
• Corolla: 6-8 cm long.
• Habitat: stream banks, washes, and waste areas (needs more moisture).

   Datura meteloides is the species known by some to dwell within the Canyon. This name is incorrect. Barclay, (Mr. Plant), says meteloides is a Mexican Datura only, and its name is synonymous with Datura inoxia. This name, meteloides, seems to be destined to wander the hallowed halls of plant taxonomy without a species to call its own. If you think you see one, it should have a narrower 10 toothed corolla limb and you should be south of the border.

Citations upon request.

Cynta deNarvaez