Jimson weed

Jimson weed (Datura stramonium; Ukrainian: durman). A poisonous annual weed (see Toxic plants and animals) of the potato family (Solanaceae), 1–2 m in height, with white or pale violet trumpet-shaped flowers and a round, spiny fruit. It grows throughout Ukraine. Its toxicity is due to atropine and other alkaloids. Jimson weed leaves are used medicinally (see Medicinal plants) as a sedative. Some varieties of the plant are used decoratively.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 2 (1989).]