Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially in containers.
Also known as Chinese Thorn-Apple · Fierce Thorn Apple · Large Thorn Apple
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Oak-leaved Thorn-apple (Datura quercifolia) is an annual herb producing trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed capsules. Native to China, it is a fascinating, albeit toxic
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Regular watering during growth
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm temperatures
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost; it is not frost-hardy.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks from spring to autumn.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic and contain tropane alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. Ingestion can cause hallucinations, delirium, tachycardia, hyperthermia, and potentially death.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, especially in containers.
Prune to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth, typically in spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Deadheading spent flowers can encourage further blooming, but note the subsequent fruit is highly toxic.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring, or from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds may require stratification or scarification for better germination.
Cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining medium in a warm, humid environment.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring as they outgrow their containers. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently.
Use a well-draining potting mix, and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes. Avoid overpotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Oak-Leaved Thorn-Apple (Datura quercifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Datura |
| Species | Datura quercifolia |
Similar in genus Datura
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data