Public warned over ‘attractive but deadly’ thorn apple plant

All parts of thorn apple – datura stramonium – are poisonous.

States vet David Chamberlain said the plant did well in warm, wet conditions – such as in Guernsey – and this year it had been growing strongly.

‘The plant is generally not consumed by livestock, except when other food in not available,’ said Mr Chamberlain.

‘Intoxication mimics atropine poisoning and the symptoms of poisoning in livestock include decreased salivation, dry muzzle, rumen stasis, bloat, loss of appetite and excessive thirst. Colic may be seen in horses.’

However, the plant can also harm humans.

Mr Chamberlain said he was particularly concerned that children might be attracted to it.

‘It is a really pretty plant,’ he said.

‘It’s quite architectural. It can be up to one metre high and one metre wide and it is wonderful to look at, with long, bell-shaped flowers and thorn apples are quite attractive.

‘I could see people being drawn to it.

‘But handling it could be dangerous.

‘All parts of the plants are poisonous and the seeds are highly poisonous. You certainly don’t want it with children, as it is the sort thing they might stick in their mouths.’

Between 50 and 75 seeds would be a fatal dose.

‘While it is not believed pigs would eat it, cows, goats, horses and sheep might all eat it if they have access.’

It is a hard plant to control.

‘The seed pods contain hundreds of black seeds and they can survive for many years in soil until the conditions are right and they germinate,’ Mr Chamberlain said.

‘Farmers have to be very careful, because if you get the plant in silage or hay, animals could become ill.’

Thorn apples belong to the nightshade family of plants, which also includes potato and tobacco.

It flowers from July until October, with white or lilac flowers. The seed pods look like conkers.

Anyone spotting the plant on their land or in the garden should dispose of it safely.