Jimson Weed Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,338 found this helpful

All parts of the plant are toxic, with highest alkaloid content in young spring plants, while seeds also carry very high poisoning risk.

Poisoning symptoms have a latency period of up to 72 hours, and include neurological, cardiac, and life-threatening gastrointestinal complications.

Opiate medications are strictly contraindicated for treatment, as they cause dangerous synergistic effects with the plant's toxins.

FAQ

Is Jimson Weed toxic to Humans?

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, incoordination, convulsions, coma, severe colic, polyuria, hyperesthesia, with symptom onset 24-72 hours after exposure (Severe)

Is Jimson Weed toxic to Cats?

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, disorientation, ataxia, seizures, gastrointestinal distress, coma, increased urination (Severe)

Is Jimson Weed toxic to Dogs?

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, incoordination, seizures, abdominal pain, coma, frequent urination (Severe)

Is Jimson Weed toxic to Horses?

Acute: severe colic, stomach rupture due to paralytic ileus; Chronic: anorexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, depression, hyperthermia, polyuria, polydipsia, diarrhea, dilated pupils (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, incoordination, convulsions, coma, severe colic, polyuria, hyperesthesia, with symptom onset 24-72 hours after exposure

Cats

Severe

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, disorientation, ataxia, seizures, gastrointestinal distress, coma, increased urination

Dogs

Severe

Tachycardia, dilated pupils, dry mouth, incoordination, seizures, abdominal pain, coma, frequent urination

Horses

Severe

Acute: severe colic, stomach rupture due to paralytic ileus; Chronic: anorexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, depression, hyperthermia, polyuria, polydipsia, diarrhea, dilated pupils

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant; highest toxicity in early spring, alkaloid content decreases slowly when the plant is dried

Exposure RouteIngestion of any plant part, consumption of feed contaminated with plant material, contact of plant sap with mucous membranes

Toxic CompoundsL-hyoscyamine; Atropine; Scopolamine; Other tropane alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious and not experiencing seizures
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
• Move the affected individual to a quiet, dimly lit area to minimize sensory stimulation triggering worsened symptoms

Contact Vet Immediately

• Immediately after any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Datura stramonium, even if no symptoms are present
• If any symptoms appear including dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, disorientation, seizures, or abdominal pain
• If exposure occurs in horses, as they face high risk of fatal stomach rupture from paralytic ileus

Prevention

• Remove all Datura stramonium plants from yards, pastures, and areas accessible to children, pets, and livestock
• Inspect hay and livestock feed regularly to ensure no contamination with Datura plant material
• Educate household and farm staff to recognize the plant's distinct spiky seed pods and lobed, serrated leaves

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination including emesis, activated charcoal administration, or gastric lavage as appropriate
• Administer physostigmine as a targeted antidote under licensed medical or veterinary supervision
• Provide supportive care including fluid therapy, seizure control, and temperature regulation as needed
• Avoid all morphine or opiate-containing medications, as they produce dangerous synergistic effects with the plant's acetylcholine antagonist toxins

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameDatura stramonium L.

AliasesCommon thorn apple、White thorn apple、Asthma weed

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Central nervous systemCardiovascular systemGastrointestinal tractEyesUrinary system

Mechanism of Action

• Tropane alkaloids act as competitive acetylcholine receptor antagonists, disrupting normal parasympathetic nervous system function

• Toxins cross the blood-brain barrier, causing severe impairment of central nervous system signaling

• Alkaloids inhibit gastrointestinal motility, leading to life-threatening obstructive complications like paralytic ileus in large animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Pig: Symptoms of poisoning include anorexia, constipation, hyperthermia, reduced milk production, abortion, and central nervous system disorders

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Datura species Datura spp.

All Datura species have similar leaf and flower morphology and equal high toxicity; Datura stramonium is distinguished by its upright white/purple flowers and ground-level spiky seed pods

Angel's trumpet Brugmansia candida

Closely related, contains similar toxic alkaloids, and has similar foliage; distinguished by its woody shrub growth form and large, hanging trumpet-shaped flowers

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Related Toxic Plants

Bittersweet nightshade

Solanum dulcamara

Moderate

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.