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Description
There are several species of jimsonweeds in West
Texas, although all are very similar in appearance. They are
all coarse looking, ill-scented, herbaceous annual weeds of
the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The flowers are very distinctive,
being large, showy, erect, solitary and white or purplish
in color. Flowers are located in the leaf axils. The leaves
are alternate, simple, without hair and toothed. Fruits resemble
those of cocklebur, except larger, being a spiny capsule up
to 2 inches long.
Distribution and Habitat
Jimsonweeds are widely distributed throughout Texas
and the U.S. They normally grow in rich soils on disturbed
sites, waste places, old fields and in open areas.
Regions: 1, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6,
7, 8,
9, 10.
Toxic Agent
Toxicity results from a high content of tropane alkaloids
(atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine). Poisoning of both livestock
and humans can occur from ingestion of any part of the plant,
including the seeds. As little as 10 to 14 ounces of the plant,
or less than 0.1 percent of the body weight of the animal,
has proven fatal to cattle. Numerous incidents of human poisoning
have resulted from consumption of the seeds and unripened
seed pods. On occasion, the plants have been ingested for
their hallucinogenic effects.
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Livestock Symptoms
Symptoms of poisoning are similar for both humans
and livestock. Clinical signs include
- intense thirst
- distorted vision
- uncoordinated movement
- high temperature
- rapid and weakened heart beat
- dilated pupils
- convulsions
- coma and death
Integrated Management Strategies
There are no specific medicinal treatments for
poisoned livestock, although stimulants such as pilocarpine,
physostigmine and arecoline have been suggested. If hand
fed a suitable diet and provided good quality water, some
poisoned animals may recover. Jimsonweeds are extremely
distasteful to livestock. As such, poisoning occurs only
rarely. When it does occur, it is usually due to confinement
of hungry livestock in holding traps that contain the plant.
Generally, livestock must be forced to eat the plant. This
plant is easily controlled by grubbing or use of herbicides.
Caution should be exercised when treating jimsonweed with
2,4-D as this treatment has been shown to increase the palatability
of the plant.
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