Devil's trumpet - Datura metel (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Devil's trumpet

Also known as: Downy thornapple, Hindu datura, Thornapple, Sacred datura, Angel's trumpet

Devil's trumpet (Datura metel) is a highly toxic annual species. Devil's trumpet ingestion can cause headaches, hallucinations, coma, and death. In spite of its toxicity, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental flower.

Scientific classification

Species

Devil's trumpet (Datura metel)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

91 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Cream, Copper, Tan

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Purple, Lavender

Flower Color

Purple, Lavender

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Devil's trumpet

Distribution of Devil's trumpet

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Waste places, river sands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Growing devil's trumpet in partial shade reduces its number of flowers, so it performs best in sunny flower and cottage gardens. This shrubby, tender perennial works best as a specimen plant due to its spreading growth habit. It produces upright, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening, lasting till the following day. Its extended blooming period throughout the summer adds to its popularity in flower gardens.

Symbolism

Power and caution, religious and cultural

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

All parts of devil's trumpet contain tropane alkaloids, which are toxic if ingested. Devil's trumpet poisoning symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate. Cats and dogs are at high risk and require immediate veterinary care if exposed. Devil's trumpet should never be eaten and is also harmful to humans if ingested in large quantities.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Devil's trumpet is native to southwestern China. It is planted as an ornamental and has been introduced to much of the world due to its wide cultivation. However, devil's trumpet is considered to be invasive in many tropical countries in Oceania, Asia, and Africa. It is also considered to be an agricultural weed. Furthermore, it is highly toxic to humans, wildlife, and livestock, and produces burrs. It spreads easily and readily, producing abundant seeds. Hand pulling over several seasons before devil's trumpet goes to seed can effectively control invasive populations; herbicides are also an option.

How to Control It

To manage devil's trumpet, it is crucial to address it before it sets seed. In most climates, this would be from late spring to early summer.

Manual removal: For young plants, pull devil's trumpet out by hand, ensuring to remove the root system completely to prevent regrowth.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress devil's trumpet by blocking light and preventing seed germination.
Controlled burning: In larger areas where permissible, conduct a controlled burn in early spring to destroy devil's trumpet's emerging seedlings and seeds on the soil surface.
Cultivation limits: If cultivating devil's trumpet, regularly prune the plant to control its size and remove seed pods before they mature to prevent unwanted spread.
Natural competitors: Plant competitive species that can outcompete devil's trumpet for resources, thus naturally controlling its growth and spread.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Devil's trumpet

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

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

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

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

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

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Devil's trumpet

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Devil's trumpet thrives in warm, humid conditions, requiring consistent moisture while tolerating brief dryness. Water weekly to prevent waterlogging. As an outdoor plant valued for its flowers, it benefits from rainwater during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Fertilize: For devil's trumpet, apply high phosphorus fertilizers bi-weekly during the growing season, reducing dosage in winter. Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn, and avoid over-fertilization to maintain health and flowering quality. Monitor devil's trumpet's response for optimal care adjustments.

Pruning: Devil's trumpet flourishes with early spring pruning to remove dead or damaged branches, promoting healthy growth and vigorous flowering. Use clean, sharp tools and avoid cutting the main stem to prevent disease, ensuring devil's trumpet stays robust and visually appealing all growing season.

Propagation: Devil's trumpet is a tropical plant known for its trumpet-shaped flowers, primarily propagated by sowing fresh seeds in well-draining soil. Keep the medium consistently moist and cover with plastic to maintain humidity. Once seedlings grow, transplant them and gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Repotting: Repot devil's trumpet every 2-3 years in spring, using a container 20% larger than the root ball. Ensure ample depth for roots, maintain moist soil, and provide partial sunlight in warm conditions for optimal recovery post-repotting.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Devil's trumpet

Distribution of Devil's trumpet

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Devil's trumpet

Care Guide for Devil's trumpet

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases