It’s breathtaking. It’s intoxicating. And it’s potentially deadly.
Few plants captivate the senses quite like Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)—with its cascading, trumpet-shaped flowers and enchanting fragrance, it’s a favorite among gardeners and plant lovers worldwide. But behind its delicate beauty lies a sinister secret: every single part of this plant is HIGHLY toxic.
A few bites of its leaves or flowers can cause hallucinations, paralysis, or even DEATH. Even just handling it without gloves can lead to serious health risks. And yet, many people grow it in their yards, completely unaware of the danger.
What makes Angel’s Trumpet so poisonous? How does it affect the body? And why should you NEVER plant it near children or pets?
Keep reading—you may never look at this plant the same way again!
Angel’s Trumpet: A Beautiful but Deadly Plant
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia) is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub or small tree, native to South America. It is part of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family, which includes other highly toxic plants like Deadly Nightshade, Henbane, and Datura.
Key Features of Angel’s Trumpet:
Large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange, or peach.
Intoxicating fragrance, especially at night.
Lush, green foliage and a woody stem.
Can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it a striking focal point in gardens.
But don’t be fooled by its elegance—this plant is NOT SAFE to touch, inhale, or ingest.
What Makes Angel’s Trumpet So Dangerous?
The entire plant is highly toxic due to its content of tropane alkaloids, which affect the nervous system and can be lethal in small amounts.
Lethal Compounds Found in Angel’s Trumpet:
Scopolamine – Causes delirium, hallucinations, and memory loss.
Atropine – Affects the heart, eyes, and central nervous system.
Hyoscyamine – Causes severe poisoning, paralysis, and death in high doses.
Did You Know? Scopolamine (found in Angel’s Trumpet) is so potent that criminals have used it to incapacitate victims, rendering them completely compliant—earning it the nickname “Devil’s Breath.”
What Happens If You’re Poisoned by Angel’s Trumpet?
The symptoms of poisoning can appear within minutes to hours after exposure. Even a small amount—from eating, smoking, or brewing a tea from the plant—can lead to life-threatening complications.
Early Symptoms (0-2 Hours After Exposure):
Dry mouth & extreme thirst
Blurred vision & dilated pupils
Dizziness & nausea
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Severe Poisoning Symptoms (2-6 Hours After Exposure):
Hallucinations & delirium – Victims may see or hear things that aren’t real.
Severe confusion & memory loss – Some people lose all sense of reality.
Seizures & muscle paralysis – The body becomes completely unresponsive.
Extreme agitation & violent behavior – Victims may act irrationally or dangerously.
Respiratory failure & coma – If untreated, poisoning can lead to death within hours.
WARNING: Unlike other hallucinogenic plants, Brugmansia’s effects are extremely dangerous and unpredictable—many people have died or suffered permanent brain damage after consuming it.
5 Shocking Ways People Get Poisoned by Angel’s Trumpet
While accidental ingestion is the most common cause of poisoning, other unexpected dangers exist.
1. Children Playing with the Flowers
The large, attractive flowers often tempt children to touch or taste them.
Just chewing on a petal can cause severe poisoning.
2. Burning or Smoking the Plant
Some people have inhaled the smoke from burning Angel’s Trumpet leaves, thinking it’s harmless.
This can cause hallucinations, respiratory failure, or sudden death.
3. Brewing Angel’s Trumpet as a “Tea”
Some self-proclaimed herbalists claim it has “spiritual properties.”
There are NO safe doses—this plant is NOT for human consumption.
4. Pets or Livestock Eating the Leaves
Dogs, cats, horses, and cattle are EXTREMELY susceptible to poisoning.
Even a tiny bite of a leaf can be FATAL.
5. Handling the Plant with Bare Hands
The toxins can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body via open wounds.
Always wear gloves when handling Angel’s Trumpet!
Why You Should NEVER Grow Angel’s Trumpet in Your Garden
5 REASONS TO REMOVE ANGEL’S TRUMPET IMMEDIATELY
HIGHLY TOXIC to humans, pets, and wildlife.
Difficult to remove safely—even touching it can be dangerous.
Unpredictable effects—one person might hallucinate, while another drops dead.
A magnet for children and animals—it’s too risky to have near your home.
Criminals have used it as a weapon—yes, it’s that dangerous.
If Angel’s Trumpet is growing near your home, GET RID OF IT SAFELY.
How to Stay Safe & What to Do in an Emergency
NEVER plant Angel’s Trumpet near children, pets, or livestock.
Always wear gloves when handling or pruning the plant.
Keep it out of reach of curious visitors—especially children.
DO NOT burn or ingest any part of the plant.
If exposed, seek emergency medical attention immediately!
Emergency Steps If Someone Is Poisoned:
Call 911 or Poison Control IMMEDIATELY.
Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
Provide emergency CPR if breathing stops.
Try to identify how much of the plant was ingested.
Angel’s Trumpet poisoning can be fatal—ACT FAST.
Final Thoughts: A Deadly Flower Hiding in Plain Sight
Angel’s Trumpet may look like a gift from heaven, but it’s actually a “flower of death.”
It’s time to stop seeing this plant as a harmless decoration. It is not safe, not spiritual, and not worth the risk.
Key Takeaways:
ALL parts of Angel’s Trumpet are EXTREMELY toxic.
Just touching it can cause poisoning.
There is NO safe way to ingest or use this plant. Poisoning can lead to hallucinations, paralysis, and sudden death.
If exposed, seek emergency medical help IMMEDIATELY.
Would you still keep Angel’s Trumpet in your garden after knowing the truth? Let us know in the comments!
