I have a white datura that comes up every year as I cut it down completely every year. What is the exact poison in this plant and can it effect me as I tear it down each year?
Perhaps, I can be of a little assistance here! There are many chemicals within the plant (by the way... all parts are toxic) that constitute to its toxicity. Scopalomine, Hyocin, Hyoscimine, and Atropine, are the main chemicals... There are many more, but these are, by far, the most dangerous. Unless you consume them, there will not likely be an issue, but I ALWAYS advise wearing gloves when dealing with this plant.
I don't know the chemical makeup of the toxins, but the entire plant and seeds are considered poisonous.
These links have more information.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/datura/growing-datura-trumpet-flower.htm
I pulled up a moonflower and noticed it had bulb-like roots. Can I wash them and bring them in for the winter like gladiolas? I live in Zone 3. Then plant them in the spring?
Moonflowers do not produce a tuber. Is it possible that it is mistaken identity? Four o'clocks can resemble moonflower, and they DO produce a tuber. Here is a collection of articles about the four o'clock: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/four-oclocks/
Here is a collection of article on the moonflower: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/moonflower/
I live in Greece and have several Daturas growing quite happily and flower most of the year. The problem is that something is eating the leaves but I never actually see anything on them! I suspect nocturnal snails but never see any! I have sprayed with pesticide but it seems to be non-effective. Any advice please Garnet
You might have root weevils. Read about them here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-root-weevil.htm. Another possibility is tomato hornworm which is active during daylight but hard to find due to camouflage.
there is a green bulb with black dots on the plant. should I cut them off or leave alone?
The plant produces many seed pods during the growing season. You can control the spread of the plant by picking the seed pods while they are still green and disposing of the pod. The unripened seeds will not germinate.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/datura/datura-plant-propagation.htm
I once had a moonflower that grew big and tall, it was not a vine. I grew it from a seed and would like to find where to get them again, the ones I have now grow like a vine. Any suggestions??
This is a good example of the need for naming plants by their binomial nomenclature, or scientific name.
Those moonflowers that are a vine are usually a type of morning glory, as well as many other vines being called a moonflower.
The one that you are speaking of is probably the flower of a Datura! Some can be large shrubs, or Large single stemmed flowers. Knowing the name of them will allow you to find seeds online, or at nurseries.
This article will help you to care for them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/datura/growing-datura-trumpet-flower.htm
This plant was bought in seed form from a reputable company who gave no indication of its toxicity. I thought I was buying a Brugmansia
This is definitely a datura. Every plant in this family are highly toxic. Consuming as little as a single leaf can cause death in many varieties. All parts, including the blooms are poisonous. As long as there are no children or animals around, then the plant poses no risk on its own.
If there is any risk of poisoning, then it will be best to keep this out of reach, or out of the area completely.
Many thanks for prompt response. Should I wear gloves when handling it?
How to best grow daturas from seed?
Growing datura is simple from seed. Just be aware that all parts of the plant are EXTREMELY toxic, and should be kept out of the way of children or animals. This article will guide you on how to do this: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/datura/growing-datura-trumpet-flower.htm