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Devil's trumpet

How to identify Devil's trumpet (Datura metel)

Devil's trumpet, also known as Downy thornapple, Hindu datura, Thornapple, Sacred datura, Angel's trumpet

Devil's trumpet presents itself as a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that commonly reaches heights and widths of 3 to 4 feet (about 91 to 122 cm). It bears a striking resemblance to a herbaceous perennial but is often cultivated as an annual. This plant is distinguished by its full, shrub-like appearance. It is characterized by large, trumpet-shaped flowers and broad, ovate leaves. The flowers are particularly notable for their size and funnel form, attracting attention with their prominent structure.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Devil's trumpet

1

Trumpet-shaped flowers, 7 inches (18–20 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

2

Large, ovate leaves with wavy margins, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long.

3

Distinctive dry capsules with spiny architecture, splitting to release 200-300 brownish yellow seeds.

4

Foliage emits disagreeable odor when bruised; prominent visible vein patterns on leaves.

5

Full, shrub-like appearance reaching 3 to 4 feet (91 to 122 cm) in height and width.

Devil's trumpetDevil's trumpetDevil's trumpetDevil's trumpetDevil's trumpet

Detailed Traits of Devil's trumpet

Leaf Features

The wavy-margined, dark green leaves of devil's trumpet are typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long and have a distinctive downy texture. The leaves are ovate in shape with margins that can be undulate or serrate. When bruised or crushed, the foliage emits a disagreeable odor. Vein patterns are prominently visible, contributing to the leaf's coarse texture.

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Flower Features

Devil's trumpet flowers are striking, trumpet-shaped blooms measuring 7 inches (18–20 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide at the mouth. They can be white or violet, with single or double variations. Each flower is held vertically and features short projections between the lobes and heart-shaped notches at the lobe apices. These flowers emit a sweet, overpowering fragrance, especially at night, and bloom from mid-Summer to the first frost, opening in the late afternoon and during cloudy days.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of devil's trumpet is an intriguing dry capsule, noted for its spiny architecture. It is typically round to egg-shaped and densely covered in distinctive tubercles. Upon maturity, this capsule exhibits a unique dehiscence, splitting open in a haphazard fashion to discharge an impressive 200 - 300 brownish yellow seeds. Each seed is reminiscent of a bean, with dimensions roughly akin to a coffee bean, and comes equipped with a large, whitish elaiosome—an adaptation known to entice ants for seed dispersal. These robust seeds are known to persist dormant in soil for extended periods.

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Devil's trumpet and Their Similar Plants

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Jimsonweed vs. Devil's trumpet: What's The Difference?
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.
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Western jimson weed vs. Devil's trumpet: What's The Difference?
Western jimson weed (Datura wrightii) is a flowering perennial plant in the nightshade family. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental flower due to its good ability to tolerate drought. Western jimson weed is toxic to humans and pets, and could lead to convulsions and coma if ingested. Nevertheless, it was once used by several Native American tribes as part of a rite of passage.
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Downy thorn-apple vs. Devil's trumpet: What's The Difference?
In warmer climates, the downy thorn-apple is an invasive perennial. In colder zones, it’s an annual that can be controlled. It is native to East Africa and is naturalized in China. It is not currently a problem in the United States, but it would become invasive if it were introduced. The reason for this is that the plant will quickly establish itself and spread rapidly. It is cultivated in gardens, but care must be taken to prevent it from overtaking other plants. The weed poses another threat: it is highly toxic to humans and animals. There are not any current bans on the sale, transport, or cultivation of the plant, but it is generally not encouraged.
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Key Facts About Devil's trumpet

Attributes of Devil's trumpet
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
8 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Purple
Lavender
Fruit Color
Brown
Cream
Copper
Tan
Stem Color
Purple
Lavender
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Devil's trumpet
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Scientific Classification of Devil's trumpet

Species
Devil's trumpet (Datura metel)
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Distribution Map of Devil's trumpet

Devil's trumpet is widely present across tropical and subtropical regions with a tendency to be cultivated in certain areas. It is a native of the Americas but has been introduced to various major regions including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands, where its presence spans both rural and urban landscapes. In some areas, such as parts of the Indian subcontinent, devil's trumpet is sometimes thought to be invasive, which may have an impact on local ecosystems. Despite its widespread distribution, cultivation is often managed to mitigate potential ecological concerns.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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