Knowledgebase

What is this seed? #809959

Asked September 08, 2022, 12:28 PM EDT

I picked up dried & fallen flower heads & took the seeds, pictured below. The flower looked so much like either a moon flower or a white hibiscus. I tried to figure this out with my lens setting and an internet search but to no avail. Do you recognize these seeds? They're about 1/3" or so , very thin and papery. Thank you!

Boulder County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Kathryn,

Thank you for reaching out to us about your seeds.  Do you have any other information or pictures that you could send us?  A picture or a description of the flower from where you got the seeds would be very helpful?  BTW, They are not hibiscus or moon flower seeds or morning glory seeds.

Thank you.
CSU Extension Master Gardener Desk
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2022, 11:24 AM EDT
On further investigation, we have a theory.  You mentioned that you got these from a flower, not a pod or similar seed container. If that is the case, it seems most likely that these are flower parts and not actual seeds.  Specifically, we think these might be stamen from a datura (also known as moonflower or jimson weed). Stamen are the pollen producing part of the flower.  
Unfortunately, we cannot download pics from the internet here, but if you search for images of 'datura stamen', you should be able to compare with your image.  
Please let us know if you have any further questions.  Thank you for the interesting question!  We enjoyed trying to track this one down.
Sandra/Janet
Colorado Master Gardener 
Boulder Extension
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 09, 2022, 2:28 PM EDT

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!!!!!!  And you are 100% correct – I googled DATURA STAMEN and yes, the illustration was exactly the little bits I gleaned!! 

 

You are good, you are really good!  Thank you, Sandra/Janet, you solved my mystery and I will not try to plant the stamens of said moonflower!

 

Katie Kingston  

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, September 9, 2022 12:28 PM
To: Kathryn Kingston
Subject: Re: What is this seed? (#0079890)

 

The Question Asker Replied September 09, 2022, 4:55 PM EDT

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