Hairy Thorn-apple
Datura wrightii
Care
part shade, full sun
low
Fast, Medium; Adaptable but prefers coarse well drained soil.
1–5ft tall , 6–6ft wide
Jan-Dec
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Interior valleys and foothills throughout California from the Sacramento Valley south to the Mojave Desert, below 4000 ft elevation in disturbed areas and desert scrub.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Hairy Thorn-apple in full sun or partial shade with fast-draining to medium soil; it's adaptable but strongly prefers coarse, well-draining soil. Space plants 1 to 1.5 meters apart since they grow vigorously to that width. Plant in spring for best establishment, and note that this plant is deer resistant, so you don't need to worry about wildlife damage.
After Planting
Water minimally once established - no more than once per month during summer. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering; this plant thrives on neglect and will rot if kept too wet. Year 1 will feature vigorous growth with striking white trumpet flowers (up to 8 inches long) that open near dark and close by morning; expect spiny fruit to follow. The plant's blooming season extends from spring through fall, and it will eventually establish with essentially zero summer water needs.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
larvae feed on foliage May-August, critical host plant in southwestern desert
specialist herbivore feeding on Datura leaves; native to southwestern US
larvae utilize Datura foliage for development in warm months
generalist host plant for multiple generations April-October
non-native species occasionally utilizing Datura
larvae develop in stems of woody Datura plants