Strange plant in garden

[ham-l]

Hi all. I'm at a loss with a plant thats been growing in our garden for awhile now. The plant is nothing i've ever seen before. I waited for it to flower and when the pods opened there where nothing but small black seeds in them. I put up whit the plant for a little while and just recently cut it down because it has prickly pods and my wife got poked by it. So if anyone can identify it i'd be gratefully happy. If more pics are needed I can provide them. Thanks.

[Eeyore]

This is Jimson Weed and it is poisonous. Best to get rid of it. I see you have allowed it to seed, you will likley be pulling seedlings next year. Get rid of it ASAP.

[ham-l]

As I live in Wisconsin, will the seeds die over the winter or should I just remove that soil surrounding that plant area.

[Heidi S]

Hi, just another note - do not compost any of this plant, to prevent recurrence. Straight to the trash!

Good luck!

[AdamB]

Yes, they are really poisonous and its effect can be fatal.
I find the flowers to be really pretty though.
Actually there is a website all about that plant but can’t seem to find it.

[Melroche]

Teenagers make a very dangerous hallucinogenic tea from this plant - some communities have put out bulletins in their newspapers calling for residents to destroy them. Best to get rid of it..very toxic plant. Here's a little bit of info on it.
http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=84

[A Closet Canuck]

As I live in Wisconsin, will the seeds die over the winter or should I just remove that soil surrounding that plant area.

No, the seeds will not die over the winter in WI. Jimson weed is a common weed in agricultural fields. Farmers treat it chemically with one or more applications of herbicide. Removing the soil doesn't assure that you got all the seeds.

The best way to deal with jimson weed is to pull after it sprouts and before it goes to seed. Alternately, you can spray the plant with an herbicide once it has sprouted but I don't know if herbicides available to homeowners will be sufficient to kill it. The labeling on the herbicide should tell you what plants its effective for.

Jimson weed will show up in your beds once in awhile. It is unavoidable in the Midwest.