Datura quercifolia
| Datura quercifolia | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 5' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Datura quercifolia (common name: oak leaf datura)
Propagation: Sow the seed in individual pots in early spring in a greenhouse[1]. 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.
Cultivation: Prefers a rich light sandy soil[2] and an open sunny position[1]. Grows best in a fertile calcareous soil[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[1].
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[1].
Closely related to D. stramonium[1].
Range: South-western N. America - Arizona to Mexico.
Habitat: Roadsides, 1200 - 1800 metres in Arizona.
Edibility: Fruit - ground up and mixed with clay[3] ( 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[1].
A stupefying beverage is made from the leaves and roots[3].
Medicinal: The whole plant is narcotic[1]. 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.
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses[1].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Yanovsky, Elias. Food Plants of the North American Indians Publication 237. US Department of Agriculture.