Tag: Datura stramonium

The nightshade family (Solanaceae) contains over 2,700 species, but it is a handful of notorious members that give the group its dangerous reputation. Knowing which nightshade plants are toxic is crucial for gardeners and pet owners alike, as some can be deadly while others, like tomatoes and potatoes, are staples of our diet.

Over 100 countries worldwide have recorded sightings of *Datura stramonium*, commonly known as thorn apple, a highly toxic plant. The pressing question for many foragers and gardeners remains: are thorn apples edible? The definitive and alarming answer is no; this plant is not safe for consumption and can be fatal if ingested.

In 1676, British soldiers in colonial Virginia were poisoned after eating a native plant, an event that gave rise to one of its most famous common names. Beyond its botanical classification, what is another name for thorn apples, and what folklore surrounds this intriguing, albeit dangerous, species?