Herb: Oak Leaf Datura


Latin name: Datura quercifolia


Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)



Medicinal use of Oak Leaf Datura:

The whole plant is narcotic. 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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Roadsides, 1200 - 1800 metres in Arizona.

Edible parts of Oak Leaf Datura:

Fruit - ground up and mixed with clay ( 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. A stupefying beverage is made from the leaves and roots.

Propagation of the herb:

Sow the seed in individual pots in early spring in a greenhouse. 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 of Oak Leaf Datura:

Roadsides, 1200 - 1800 metres in Arizona.

Known hazards of Datura quercifolia:

All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.