Jimsonweed

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

Jimsonweed was at one time a feared plant in soybeans but excellent control methods have reduced it to an oddity. It has a very large leaf with a spiny capsule which contains several hundred seeds. As the capsule matures it splits at the top and the plant tips it over so that all of the seeds fall out. It is a potent hallucinogen but it is also very toxic and several people have become seriously ill or died from the seeds. The only weed in New Jersey which has a price on its head. If the owner doesn't control this plant, the sheriff will and bill the property owner.

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