I was given this pass-along plant by a friend. She called it a moonflower. When I look up moonflower it gives me a vine. This is not a vine. It dies to the ground each winter and comes back in the spring. The blooms open just after sunset and wilt/fold by ten the next morning. Any information you can give would be appreciated. Thank you.

This is its bud before opening.


This is the flower open. It is anywhere from four to six inches across.


This is its seed pod


The plant has grows approximately two feet tall more or less for me. It does not grow tendrils and does not try and vine around anything. Thank you

Jimson Weed (Datura innoxia) I think.

Lovely gift from your friend! And perfect for your moon garden!

Beautiful! I have a Moon Garden this year with the Datura innoxia and Ipomoea alba - Moon Vine.

A word of caution though .. the Datura is very poisonous to children so considering your handle, don't let any of your grandchildren pick the flowers or handle the leaves or stem if they are under 10 years old.

Here is a page I wrote about Datura pods and seeds. You might find it interesting.

http://www.xeramtheum.com/Datu...

I think Datura got the name "Moon Flower" because typically it blooms at night. Mine actually wilted in the sunshine. A true Vampire Flower!

Thank you Anne for the heads-up about the poisonous aspects of the plant. Sometimes getting a pass-along plant from a friend a person may not know as much about it as it would be wise to know. I may mention this in passing to the friend who shared so she will just be aware too.

I know I should mark this 'solved' but I am learning so much about the plant that I don't want to close this thread yet. smiles.

You're welcome. I've actually been mildly affected a few times after harvesting seeds of Datura and Brugmansia - the main symptoms are blurred vision, pupil dilation and pounding heart.

The main thing is to not touch your face or eat anything after handling these plants until you have washed your hands thoroughly.