NPS Photo

Photo © Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com

NPS Photo

NPS Photo

Photo © Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com

Photo © Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com

Sacred Datura (Angel's-trumpet; Indian-apple; Moonflower)

Datura wrightii

Family: Solanaceae – Potato Family

Annual or perennial herbs; poisonous; stems are 11.8” to 3.3' (3 to 10 dm) tall

Leaves: alternate (or subopposite, especially toward the branch ends); simple; can be toothed; 2” to 10” (5 to 25 cm) long

Flowers: 5 united large trumpet-shaped white tubular petals; 5 lobed green tubular sepals; 5 distinct stamens; flowers are ill-scented and open in the evening; 6” to 9.2” (15 to 23 cm) long

Pollinators: moths

Fruits: capsule covered with prickles

Blooms in Arches National Park May, June, July, August, September, October

Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities

Location seen: Devils Garden trailhead, Moab

Other: The genus name, “Datura”, is from the Hindu vernacular name “Dhatura”. The species name, “wrightii”, honors American botanical collector, Charles Wright (1811-1885).

This is a poisonous, narcotic plant that can lead to death if eaten.