Hi there, I am trying to identify a plant that sprung up in my garden. I don't have any idea of what it is or does anyone I ask. I have pictures if anyone wants them I can email them to you. The plant/tree is tall about 5 or 6 feet tall. It is pretty symetrical in shape. The arms all grow even, the plant grows tall and splits even into two more arms, then each arm splits, etc. They seem to match on each side. The stalk is very thick about 1 1/2" in diameter and very sturdy, no bark though, very smooth. Dark green with a little tint of reddish. The leaves are large and sort of like an oak leave except bigger and longer. The leaves are all green. There are cone shaped or fluted flowers on it. They are about 2 or 3 inches long and they open at night and die the next day. The flowers sort of remind of a bell flower except they are more flat not round like them and they open up not down. Then, after the bloom falls off the next day a tiny seed pod starts growing, after a week or so, the seed pod is huge and very prickly, sharp thorns all over it. Maybe about the size of a small kiwi fruit? Very sharp points. I cut one open and it is full of seeds. The flowers are a light lilac color and there are four sides to it, so the 4 corners come to a point sort of. The leaves have an odor to them, they smell stinky. Not attractive, the flowers really has no smell. Oh yeah, I am in Western Michigan and the plant is in mostly sun all day. I built a new garden and did not plant this and it just came up, I thought it was a weed but though, wait and see. So here is this huge tree shading all my full sun flowers :-( I hope someone can help me, it really is a beautiful plant, and I would like to learn about it and how to share it with others. thanks so much, Beth
Sounds like datura (Jimson weed). Take a look at the image in this thread or do a search of the forums (search function is on the green bar at the top). There are lots of posts on this plant, especially in the ID forum. It grows quickly and is a large striking plant, so it attracts attention when it pops up in the garden. If that is the one, be aware it is very toxic. To attach images, see this thread.
Thank you so much, I have found it and looking at these photos, this is it. It is strange how it grew there. There aren't any around here at all. Hmmm. I do have to watch it as I have a new baby that likes the grass... does it reseed itself do you know? Or should I take the seed pods off the plant that is there now? thanks, beth
Best to check if this plant is poisonous or not. Young children can't resist something so attractive as those seed pods. cm
All parts of the plant Jimson weed - Datura stramonium are poisonous. And as babies stick everything in their mouth especially when they start to teeth, you need to either remove the plant or place a barrier (fence) between it and the baby. Harry
