Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia): what it is and why caution matters

Angel's trumpet is a common name for Brugmansia, a group of ornamental shrubs and small trees with large, hanging, trumpet-shaped flowers. They look dramatic in the garden and often smell sweet at night. That beauty comes with risk: all parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids like scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine. Those chemicals can cause serious poisoning if eaten or handled improperly.

How to spot angel's trumpet and avoid mix-ups

Brugmansia has pendulous (hanging) flowers that point down. Colors range from white and yellow to pink and orange. Leaves are large and soft. People sometimes confuse it with Datura (thorn apple). Datura flowers point up and the seed pods are spiky. If you have kids, pets, or curious guests, treat Brugmansia as a potentially dangerous plant and place it out of reach.

What poisoning looks like and what to do

Signs of anticholinergic poisoning from angel's trumpet usually start within 15–60 minutes after ingestion. Expect dry mouth, flushed skin, big pupils, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, trouble peeing, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases can include high fever, seizures, coma, or respiratory problems. If someone ate any part of the plant, call your local poison control center or emergency services right away. Don’t wait for full symptoms to develop.

Do not try home remedies unless a poison expert tells you. Medical teams may use activated charcoal if ingestion was recent and give supportive care in the hospital. In some cases, doctors use physostigmine as an antidote, but that must be given by trained clinicians. For agitation or seizures, paramedics may use benzodiazepines. Keep the plant sample or a photo to help medical staff identify the toxin.

Handling the plant with bare hands is usually low risk, but avoid touching your face or mouth and wash hands after pruning. Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting or disposing of plant material.

If you want Brugmansia in your garden, pick a spot away from play areas and pet paths. The plant prefers rich soil, good drainage, and full sun to partial shade. It’s frost-sensitive; in cool climates grow it in a pot and move indoors over winter. Propagate from cuttings rather than seed for faster blooms. Prune after flowering to keep size in check and remove spent flowers safely—bag and discard clippings.

Finally, check local rules before buying or gifting angel's trumpet. Some regions restrict sale because of poisoning incidents. When you know how to identify and handle it, you can enjoy the blooms while keeping people and pets safe.