Pricklyburr: A Beautiful but Dangerous Night-Blooming Plant
If you’ve ever wondered about those large, white trumpet flowers that seem to glow in the moonlight, you might be looking at pricklyburr (Datura inoxia). This striking plant has captivated gardeners with its dramatic evening blooms, but before you consider adding it to your landscape, there are some crucial things you need to know.
What Is Pricklyburr?
Pricklyburr is a forb (non-woody plant) that can grow as either an annual or perennial depending on your climate. Originally native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, this plant has spread far beyond its natural range and can now be found across many states including Arizona, California, Texas, and even as far north as Massachusetts and New York.
The plant goes by several scientific names in older literature, including Datura fastuosa, Datura innoxia, and Datura meteloides, but Datura inoxia is the currently accepted botanical name.
The Beauty and the Beast
Let’s start with why pricklyburr catches so many eyes. This plant produces spectacular white, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach 6-8 inches long. These blooms open in the evening and release an intoxicating fragrance that attracts night-flying moths and other nocturnal pollinators. The silvery-green, somewhat fuzzy leaves provide an attractive backdrop to these show-stopping flowers.
But here’s where things get serious: every single part of this plant is extremely poisonous. We’re not talking about a little tummy ache – pricklyburr contains powerful alkaloids that can cause hallucinations, seizures, coma, and even death. Even small amounts can be dangerous, especially to children and pets.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow pricklyburr (and we’ll talk about whether you should in a moment), it’s actually quite easy to cultivate:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil; very tolerant of poor, sandy conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; actually prefers drier conditions
- Hardiness zones: 9-11 as a perennial; grown as an annual in cooler zones
- Propagation: Easy to grow from seed; often self-seeds readily
The plant typically reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide, creating a substantial presence in the garden. It’s particularly well-suited for desert gardens, xeriscaping, and moon gardens designed for evening enjoyment.
Should You Plant Pricklyburr?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation. While pricklyburr isn’t listed as invasive in most areas, its extreme toxicity makes it a poor choice for many gardeners. Here are some scenarios where you should definitely avoid it:
- Homes with children or grandchildren who visit
- Properties with pets, especially curious dogs or cats
- Areas where livestock might graze
- Public spaces or community gardens
Even experienced gardeners should think twice. The plant’s ability to self-seed means it can pop up in unexpected places, and the spiny seed pods (hence pricklyburr) can be attractive to curious hands.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Since pricklyburr isn’t native to most areas where it’s grown, consider these beautiful native alternatives for night-blooming interest:
- Evening primrose (Oenothera species): Bright yellow flowers that open in the evening
- Four o’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa): Colorful tubular flowers that open in late afternoon
- Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): Large white morning glory flowers that bloom at night
- Night-blooming cereus: For desert regions, spectacular cactus flowers
The Bottom Line
Pricklyburr is undeniably beautiful, and for the right gardener in the right situation, it can be a stunning addition to a night garden. However, its extreme toxicity makes it unsuitable for most home landscapes. If you’re drawn to night-blooming plants, there are many safer native alternatives that can give you that magical evening garden experience without the serious safety risks.
If you do choose to grow pricklyburr, treat it with the respect you’d give any highly dangerous plant – keep it away from children and pets, wear gloves when handling, and be prepared to remove any volunteer seedlings that appear in unwanted locations.
