Species PlantsSacred Datura

Sacred Datura

Datura wrightii

CommonPlant
Illustration of Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii)
Safety note: All parts are toxic and can be fatal; contains powerful hallucinogens and anticholinergics. Do not ingest or touch eyes after handling.

Sacred Datura is a dramatic desert wildflower with large white trumpet-shaped blossoms that open at night and perfume the desert air. Its flowers are exclusively pollinated by the white-lined sphinx moth, whose long tongue reaches deep into the corolla. The plant has deep cultural significance for many southwestern indigenous peoples, though all parts are extremely toxic.

Habitat
Desert washes, roadsides, and disturbed soils of the Southwest
Diet
Flowers exclusively pollinated by white-lined sphinx moth at night
How common
Common

Best time to see a Sacred Datura

The best time to see a Sacred Datura is April–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 42,857 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Sacred Datura? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Sacred Datura sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Sacred Datura? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Sacred Datura is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Sagebrush Mariposa
Sagebrush Mariposa
Calochortus macrocarpus
Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea
Salal
Salal
Gaultheria shallon
Salmonberry
Salmonberry
Rubus spectabilis
Saltgrass
Saltgrass
Distichlis spicata
Saltmeadow Cordgrass
Saltmeadow Cordgrass
Spartina patens
Sand Cherry
Sand Cherry
Prunus pumila
Sand Live Oak
Sand Live Oak
Quercus geminata