Origin of the Name Jimson, or Jamestown Weed

The narcotic properties of Datura stramonium are well known to our own southern Indians as well as to the Mexicans (6). Hernandez called attention to the fact that its fruit causes insanity if eaten incautiously. That this is true is shown by the following anecdote taken from Robert Beverly s History and Present State of Virginia, in his account Of the Wild Fruits of the Country It appears that the soldiers sent to Jamestown to quell the uprising known as Bacon s Rebellion (1676) gathered young plant of this species cooked it as a potherb. 

Tree Datura (Bruqmansia sanquinea), Used as a Narcotic by the Priests of THE Temple of the Sun. 

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