Angel trumpets (Brugmansia spp.) add exotic beauty to sunny garden beds with their pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers and dense foliage. Their beauty and resilience belies the extreme toxicity of their flowers and leaves, which can cause serious illness and death if consumed. Angel trumpets are still widely grown within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11 despite the risks they pose. However, they should be wisely positioned to prevent interactions with animals and humans.
Every part of the angel trumpet is highly poisonous, including the leaves, flowers, seeds and roots. All contain the toxic alkaloids scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine, which are widely synthesized into modern medicinal compounds but are deadly poisonous if used outside a doctor's supervision. Although every part of the plant is dangerous, the oblong, fruitlike seed pods and colorful flowers pose the greatest risk in home landscaping because they are visually appealing to curious children and because they contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds.
Poisoning occurs when plant residue from angel trumpets enters the blood stream or gastrointestinal tract, whether by accidental ingestion or absorption through the mucous membranes. One common and insidious means of poisoning occurs when a gardener with contaminated hands rubs his eyes or consumes food, which leads to a rapid onset of symptoms. Symptoms include muscle weakness, dilated pupils and dry mouth, as well as a rapid pulse, fever and hallucinations. Paralysis and convulsions may also occur, as well as coma and death. Seek medical attention immediately if worrying symptoms occur, particularly if the affected pet or person had recent contact with the angel trumpet plant.
Angel trumpets pose a risk to humans and animals alike when grown in home gardens. However, it is possible to minimize the risk while allowing the plant's ornamental traits to shine. Plant angel trumpets well away from play sets, walkways and other high-traffic areas where accidental exposure may occur. Also, avoid planting them in less visible areas of the yard where children and pets might explore unseen. Cross-contamination with edible crops can occur, so keep angel trumpets away from vegetable and herb gardens. Install a decorative fence or dense, low-lying hedge around the base of the plant to act as a protective barrier.
Working closely with angel trumpets is often necessary given their need for routine pruning, feeding and watering. Accidental poisoning can easily occur during such times, so taking precautions is necessary. Wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves when pruning angel trumpets, and always rake up and discard the pruned plant matter afterward. Pruning shears used to maintain angel trumpets must be thoroughly washed to avoid accidentally contaminating vegetable crops or other edible plants.
- University of Vermont Department of Plant and Soil Sciences: Brugmansia
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Brugmansia Spp.
- North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service: Poisonous Plants-Brugmansia
- University of California Davis Cooperative Extension Service: Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants
- UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: UCD Toxic Plant Garden
- Small Animal Toxicology; Michael E. Peterson
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