Desert Thorn-apple
Datura discolor
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA
Pollinators
moths, bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Desert thorn-apple is an annual wildflower that produces large, showy white trumpet-shaped blooms from late spring through fall. This native plant grows as a bushy forb with broad leaves and can self-seed readily in suitable conditions. The flowers are fragrant and open in the evening, making it particularly attractive during summer evenings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert Thorn-apple takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- All parts of plant are toxic if ingested
- Can appear weedy or unkempt as annual
- May self-seed aggressively
Wildlife value
The large, fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths as primary pollinators, along with bees and beetles during daytime hours. This plant provides important nectar sources during the hot summer months when fewer plants are blooming.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Desert Thorn-apple fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.