Sacred Datura

The Datura  (Datura wrightii), or also commonly known as Jimson Weed, is a very showy plant with its large white blossoms catching the eye of even the most unobservant passerby.  It achieved its sacred status due to its hallucinogenic properties. It was used by native cultures throughout the southwest, but is known to have caused many fatalities as well.

Unfortunately, the wildflower season has passed again for another year here in the valley of the sun, but I did manage to create quite a collection of photographs during the winter months. They are waiting to be transformed into a series of watercolor paintings.

Jimson Weed in watercolor.

Author: Ralph Sellers

First of all, let me borrow a line from the Grateful Dead...what a long strange trip its been. I grew up in Appalachia, not far from Wheeling, West Virginia. I decided at seventeen that working in the coal mines was not for me and soon found myself standing at an on-ramp with my thumb out. It was the Sixties and adventure beckoned. I'm a self taught artist, primarily focusing on the natural world. I enjoy painting the flora and fauna of this beautiful planet. I currently live in Arizona, and most of my recent works reflect the inhabitants of the Sonoran desert. View all posts by Ralph Sellers