Oak-leaved thorn-apple facts for kids

Datura quercifolia, also known as the oak-leaved thorn-apple, is a small shrub. It belongs to the Datura plant family. This plant can grow well in both dry and wet soils. However, it needs a lot of sunlight to grow properly, so it thrives best in full sun.

This plant was first described in 1818 by a scientist named Alexander von Humboldt. Its name, quercifolia, means "oak-leaved" because its leaves look like those of an Oak tree. The plant grows naturally in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. It can grow low to the ground or as a bushy plant up to 3 feet (about 1 meter) tall. It produces green seed pods covered with long, sharp spines. These pods open into four equal parts when they are ready. The flowers are pale violet and shaped like a funnel, growing to be less than 2 inches (5 cm) long.

Important Safety Note

All parts of Datura plants are very poisonous. If people or animals, including pets, eat any part of this plant, it can be very harmful or even deadly. Because of how dangerous it is, it is against the rules to buy, sell, or grow Datura plants in some places. Always be careful around unknown plants and never eat them.

Images for kids

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  Flower of the oak-leaved thorn-apple.