Bath NatureAug 12, 2025
Datura stramonium (Thorn-apple, Jimsonweed), a poisonous member of the nightshade family, used by Central American shamans. Growing in a field near #Bath #Somerset #UK, likely came from pheasant food.
#nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #ukwildlife #bathnature #flower #datura
Show threadBosque Bill
@BathNature I saw those thumbnails and thought "wait, that looks like datura; what's it doing in Mike's feed?" Interesting. It is native to the SW US and also historically used by native tribes for religious purposes.
Aug 12, 2025 at 12:29pmWeb
Show threadBath NatureAug 12, 2025
@bosquebill It was a real surprise to find them growing here. Around 500 plants in a small field!
Show threadCatherine Rowan Jones/Ivy FoxAug 12, 2025

@BathNature

Ye gods, 500 plants?!
I've only ever seen or heard of single plants in the UK.
#amateurbotanist

Show threadBath NatureAug 12, 2025
@HederaVulpes The owner of the field is rearing large number of pheasants, and the feed gets all over the field. The pheasant feed likely has a lot of Datura seed. Apparently it's harmless to birds, but I'd be worried about anyone eating the pheasants! Also lots of Amaranthus retroflexus there. There's a few scattered patches of Datura in adjacent fields, also near to pheasant-feeders. I wonder how many other people rearing pheasants are unknowingly introducing this plant onto their land?
Show threadCatherine Rowan Jones/Ivy FoxAug 12, 2025

@BathNature

Ah I see, thank you :)