Sacred Thorn-apple (Datura wrightii)

How much light does a Sacred Thorn-apple need?

Sacred thorn-apple (Datura wrightii) does best in full sun, which one source defines as 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. It also accepts part shade. Full sun is the preferred exposure, and part shade is the second listed option. The light facts on file name only these two exposures: full sun and part shade.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Sacred Thorn-apple

Water needs for this plant are listed as running from dry to medium. In other words, it is recorded in both dry and medium conditions. The soil drainage on file is well drained and occasionally dry. The same source names loam, sand and clay as soil types that are well drained. The range covers both the dry end and the medium end, and nothing wetter is listed.

• Water: Dry to medium^1,1

Best soil for a Sacred Thorn-apple

Well drained soil conditions are listed for sacred thorn-apple (Datura wrightii). The second drainage description recorded for it is occasionally dry. The soil types named are loam, sand and clay. Both drainage descriptions are part of the record. Dry to medium water needs are listed alongside these soil conditions. No soil pH range is documented for this plant. It is classed as an herbaceous perennial.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and occasionally dry¹

Hardiness and temperature

Hardiness zones 9a to 11b are listed for sacred thorn-apple. That range covers zones 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b. Its native range is recorded with the region codes MXE, MXN, NWM and TEX. In the lower 48 US states and in Puerto Rico, the plant has native status.

• Hardiness: Zones 9a–11b²

How to plant a Sacred Thorn-apple

Plan on USDA zones 9a to 11b when you choose a spot for this plant. Plan for a mature spread of 3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m). It reaches a mature height of about 6 ft (1.83 m). Choose a site with full sun, or part shade if needed. The site should have well drained soil. Its growth rate is moderate. Maintenance is rated medium.

• Hardiness: Zones 9a–11b²

Winter care

Winter hardiness is recorded as USDA zones 9a to 11b. The warmest zones on that list are 11a and 11b. The coolest zone on that list is 9a. It is classed as an herbaceous perennial. No minimum temperature is documented for this plant. Zones outside 9a to 11b are not listed for this plant. If you garden in a colder zone than 9a, this plant falls outside its listed range.

• Hardiness: Zones 9a–11b²

How to propagate a Sacred Thorn-apple

Seed is the propagation method recorded for sacred thorn-apple. No other propagation method is listed for this plant. Seed started about three months ahead is described as making nice 4-inch (10 cm) pots. Start from seed rather than from cuttings or division, as those methods are not listed.

• Propagation: Seed¹

Common problems

Pests recorded for sacred thorn-apple include tomato russet mite, whitefly, 28 spotted ladybird beetle, thrips and spiral nematode. Two diseases are recorded: xylella fastidiosa and tomato spotted wilt virus. Whitefly and thrips are two of the five pests on that list. The plant is reported as resistant to damage by deer.

• Common pests: tomato russet mite, whitefly, 28 spotted ladybird beetle, thrips and spiral nematode³
• Common diseases: xylella fastidiosa and tomato spotted wilt virus³

Questions and answers

Is sacred thorn-apple toxic to pets?

It is recorded as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. A cited source states that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. The same source advises keeping it out of reach of children and pets.

How much sun does sacred thorn-apple need?

It does best in full sun and also accepts part shade. Full sun is the preferred exposure. Its water needs are listed as dry to medium.

Which zones suit sacred thorn-apple?

It is listed for USDA zones 9a to 11b. It is an herbaceous perennial that reaches about 6 ft (1.83 m) tall. Its spread is 3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m).