While often confused due to their similar name and trumpet-shaped blooms, Angels trumpet and devil's trumpet are botanically distinct and present different growth characteristics, in addition to their famously differing flower direction. Both, however, are a cause for serious concern due to their extreme toxicity, with all parts of each plant containing powerful and potentially deadly alkaloids.
The Core Distinction: Flower Orientation
The most reliable way to tell these two plants apart is by observing the angle of their flowers. A simple mnemonic helps gardeners remember the difference: the angel's trumpet looks down toward hell, while the devil's trumpet gazes up toward heaven.
- Angels trumpet (Brugmansia): The flowers hang downwards, are pendulous, and can be quite large.
- Devil's trumpet (Datura): The flowers face upwards or outwards and are erect.
Beyond the Flowers: A Tale of Two Plants
The differences extend beyond flower position to the plant's overall growth structure, longevity, and seed production.
Angels Trumpet (Brugmansia)
- Growth Habit: Brugmansia grows as a woody perennial shrub or small tree. In warmer climates, it can reach impressive sizes, often over 6 feet tall in a single season. In cooler regions, it is typically grown as a container plant and overwintered indoors.
- Seed Pods: The fruit of the Brugmansia is a smooth, non-spiny pod that does not burst open on its own.
- Fragrance: Its large flowers are known for a strong, sweet fragrance that is particularly potent at night.
Devil's Trumpet (Datura)
- Growth Habit: In contrast, Datura is an herbaceous annual or a short-lived perennial that does not produce woody stems. It typically grows as a bushier, smaller plant, reaching up to 2–6 feet tall.
- Seed Pods: Following its flowers, Datura produces distinctive, round, spiky seed pods. These pods burst open when ripe, releasing seeds.
- Foliage: The leaves of many Datura species can emit an unpleasant odor when bruised or crushed.
Extreme Toxicity: A Shared Danger
Despite their differences, both plants share a dangerous characteristic: their toxicity. All parts of both Brugmansia and Datura—including the flowers, seeds, leaves, and roots—contain high levels of potent tropane alkaloids, such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine. Ingestion is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Recreational misuse, often involving brewing tea from the plant, is particularly hazardous because the concentration of alkaloids varies significantly, making a safe dose impossible to determine.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Poisoning from these plants can cause a wide range of severe symptoms, which affect both the body and the mind.
Physical Symptoms:
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dilated pupils and blurred vision, sometimes causing temporary blindness
- Rapid heartbeat and increased body temperature
- Difficulty urinating
- Muscle weakness and paralysis
Neurological and Psychological Symptoms:
- Severe confusion and delirium
- Disorientation and extreme agitation
- Intense, and often terrifying, hallucinations that feel real
- Memory loss
- Seizures, coma, and death in severe cases
Comparison Table
| Feature | Angels Trumpet (Brugmansia) | Devil's Trumpet (Datura) |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Direction | Pendulous, hanging downwards | Erect, pointing upwards |
| Growth Habit | Woody perennial shrub or small tree | Herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial |
| Seed Pods | Smooth, unarmed, and don't split | Spiky, round, and burst open when ripe |
| Plant Height | Taller, can reach up to 30 feet | Shorter, typically up to 2–6 feet |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic, all parts poisonous | Highly toxic, all parts poisonous |
| Common Names | Angel's Trumpet | Jimson weed, Thorn apple, Moonflower |
Important Safety Precautions
Given the extreme toxicity of both plants, it is crucial to handle them with caution, even if you are not ingesting them. Accidental exposure can occur, and it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in the household.
- Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling or pruning these plants, as sap can cause skin irritation.
- Keep out of reach: Plant them in a location where children and pets cannot easily access them.
- Avoid self-medication: Never attempt to ingest any part of these plants for their hallucinogenic properties. The dosage is unpredictable and can easily be fatal.
- Handle pruning waste carefully: Dispose of all plant trimmings safely, away from areas where pets or wildlife might encounter them.
- Wash hands thoroughly: After handling the plants, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face, mouth, or food.
- Recognize the difference: Learn to identify the unique characteristics of Brugmansia and Datura to avoid accidental confusion and misuse.
Conclusion
While the names Angels trumpet and devil's trumpet are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct plant genera, Brugmansia and Datura, respectively. The key difference lies in the direction of their flowers—downward for the angel and upward for the devil. Despite their different growth habits and seed pods, the most important similarity to remember is that both plants are extremely toxic. Any suspected poisoning requires immediate emergency medical attention. For additional information on poisoning symptoms, WebMD provides a helpful guide on Angels trumpet poisoning.
