Jimson Weed: More Than Just A Pest
| By Kate | Category: Outdoor
Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) is a small annual bush also known as devil’s trumpet, devil’s weed, hell’s bells, locoweed, stinkweed, pricklyburr and Jamestown weed. It grows wild in warm and moderate climates throughout the world; it is not difficult to learn where to find jimson weed.
Since jimson weed is poisonous to both animals and humans, it’s important to recognize the plant and safely remove it from your area. Every part of the jimson weed plant contains poison and can be fatal. To avoid proliferation of the plant, many places prohibit the sale, purchase or cultivation of the weed.
Jimson Weed Effects
In humans, jimsonweed toxicity produces delirium, bizarre and violent behavior, and severe amnesia. The symptoms include rapid pulse, dilated pupils, muscle twitching, and diarrhea. It has led to several deaths and hospitalizations in the United States. Medical treatment of jimson weed toxicity is available and should be started as soon as possible to ensure a fast recovery. Treatment almost always requires hospitalization and symptoms typically last from 1-3 days.
Animals can also suffer from the poisonous effects of the plant. Livestock becomes affected when grazing animals come across the plants in pastures. The plant is usually too bitter for animals but if they are very hungry they will eat it. Jimson weed is sometimes found in hay that has not been thoroughly inspected to ensure that it contains no foreign plants. It is the most common cause of poisoning in chickens. Treatment is rarely necessary for animals and usually consists of gastrointestinal support.
Prevent accidental Datura stramonium poisonings by making sure that there are no poisonous plants where your animals are allowed to roam. It is also important to note that teenagers (and adults) have ingested jimson weed for its hallucinogenic properties. Caution your children about the dangerous consequences of consuming any part of this plant and eliminate any plants you come across.
Jimson Weed is also a popular art subject. The Georgia O’Keeffe Jimson Weed floral view is stunning; this painting was her largest floral. It was commissioned by Elizabeth Arden in the 1930′s and was later donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
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