Devils Apple, Datura Stramonium

Devils Apple has various names the most common being Jimson Weed, Common thorn apple, Moonflower and Thorn apple. It is a non native species that can grow up to 1.5m tall and can out compete native species. Devils apple is toxic and when ingested by humans and animals can cause hallucinations, delirium and amnesia. This species continues to be used for recreational purposes with disastrous consequences. This species can grow in most habitats but thrives in nutrient rich soil; they can be found on waste grounds, grazing pastures, cultivated areas, roadsides and railway verges.

Appearance

Flowers
Long white trumpet shaped flowers produced throughout summer and into autumn months. The flower is said to have a ‘pronounced’ odour.

Stems
Stout, hallow, smooth, branching green with inconspicuous hairs.

Seed pods
Prickly four segmented seed pod around the size of a walnut; once mature, these ‘apples’ change in colour from bright green to brown and burst open from the tip realising numerous poisonous black kidney shaped seeds.

Leaves
Similar in shape to Oak Leaves but with a size of 7-20cm in length which are green in colour with coarsely serrated edges; these leaves have an unpleasant odour when slightly bruised.

Devils Apple control and treatment

SES invasive species team have experience employing various site specific techniques with regards to time scales, costs and the sites ecological needs. Eradication methods may include combinations of specialist herbicidal treatment and removal by hand or by mechanical means.