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Devil's Trumpet (Datura): Beautiful but Toxic Nightshade

The night-blooming plant with upward-facing white flowers and spiky seed pods is devil's trumpet (Datura alba), a member of the nightshade family. Unlike angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) with downward-hanging flowers, datura's blooms point skyward.

Caution Required

All parts are poisonous; livestock can be fatally affected.
Leaves resemble tomato and eggplant—same family (Solanaceae).
Historically called "loco weed" for its effects on grazing animals.

Enjoy its dramatic beauty, but remove it if children or pets frequent the area.

About Gardening: Overwintering Datura in Toronto: Likely Dead, Seek Local Expert Advice; Finding Wild Elderberries: Join a Native Plant Rescue; North American Millipede: Harmless but Startlingly Large; Butterfly Identification Resources for Southeast Gardeners; Golden Larch vs. Common Larch: Clearing Up the Confusion; Millet in the Yard: Birdseed Volunteer; Devil's Trumpet (Datura): Beautiful but Toxic Nightshade; Spigelia (Indian Pink): Native Woodland Wildflower; Selaginella: The Charming Club Moss for Shady Groundcover; Identifying Volunteer Sorghum: Birdseed Escapee

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