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Sacred Datura

Datura wrightii

true

1 gallon

Sacred Datura

In stock

2-3’x3-6’

Sizes:

Sacred Datura is a gorgeous, showy plant that is sometimes considered a weed because of its tendency to colonize disturbed soil, such as roadsides and cleared ditches. It grows both as a low-spreading ground vine and as a somewhat upright mound. The plant’s enormous, trumpet-shaped flowers are its hallmark—6 to 7 inches long and 5 inches wide, with white petals often tinged purple at the edges. These fragrant blooms open at dusk and close by mid-morning the next day. In cooler or overcast weather, the blooms may last longer.

From March through November, night-flying hawkmoths pollinate the flowers, particularly the Five-spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata), whose larvae are known as the Tobacco Hornworm. Sacred Datura is a host plant for this species, and the moths lay their eggs on its leaves. In a fascinating mutualistic relationship, the caterpillars feed on the plant without harming it long-term. In fact, herbivory by the hornworms stimulates fresh, lush growth—a natural cycle of regeneration that benefits both species.

For gardeners, this relationship can be a helpful strategy. If you’re growing tomatoes (another member of the nightshade family), Sacred Datura can act as a trap crop. The hawkmoths prefer to lay eggs on their native host, sparing your tomatoes from heavy hornworm damage. Even when defoliated by caterpillars, the plant bounces back vigorously, making it a resilient and ecologically beneficial addition to desert gardens.

The leaves are large, velvety, and gray-green. The fruit is a spiny green capsule that dries and splits open. Like all members of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, all parts of Sacred Datura are toxic. It contains potent anticholinergic alkaloids, and ingestion can be fatal to humans, pets, or livestock. Even handling the plant may cause dermatitis in some individuals. Historically, Native American cultures used Sacred Datura in spiritual ceremonies, but unsupervised use has led to poisoning and death.

Sacred Datura thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and can tolerate harsh conditions typical of the Colorado Desert. While bold in bloom, it is surprisingly adaptable, lending a wild elegance to native gardens while supporting one of the desert’s most iconic pollinators.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Five-spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) — larval stage is the Tobacco Hornworm
Nectar Source: Hawkmoths (Sphingidae family); other nocturnal pollinators
Bird Resources: Insects; Shelter
Bird Species: Verdins (Auriparus flaviceps); Thrashers (Toxostoma spp.); Sparrows (Passerellidae spp.)
Bees: Occasionally visited by native bees during daytime bloom remnants

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

2-3’x3-6’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

White

Flower season:

Year Round

Pruning:

None required

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.