Jimsonweed is a branching plant that blooms large, white, fragrant, trumpet-like flowers from evening through morning. The flowers protrude from the coarse foliage of this stout, rank-smelling plant. The wilted flowers are somewhat unsightly in the afternoon, but extremely showy in the evening and morning. All parts of the plant are highly toxic .

A larval host plant for Carolina Sphinx Moth, Manduca sexta, which is the primary pollinator for the species. Few other species can access its nectar. The plant has been important in religious ceremonies of many California tribes, including the Chumash. This plant is highly poisonous to both people and animals, do not attempt to ingest it.