4() MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
Solanaceae, or Nightshade, Family 
Datura metel L. (fig. 21) 
Pricklybur 
BN—13181 
FIGURE 21.—Pricklybur (Datura metel L.) 
Descrretion.—This annual branching, coarse weed is 3 to 6 feet 
high. The entire plant is distinctly purplish in color and is covered 
with long, fine hairs. Its branches are usually more profuse and wide- 
spread than those of jimsonweed. The large, alternate leaves are 
broadly ovate, usually rounded at the base, and 6 to 12 inches long. 
The leaf blades are thin with entire margins, and both leaf surfaces 
are hairy. The large, white flowers, borne singly in the leaf axils, are 
funnel shaped and consist of 5 petals 6 to 10 inches long, which are 
