Datura metel aka Devil's Trumpet

Datura metel is in the nightshade family, called Solanaceae. People call it horn of plenty or downy thorn apple. Sources differ on where it first grew. NC State gives a range from Texas south to Colombia. Useful Tropical Plants also says it came from the Americas. Missouri Botanical Garden lists southwestern China instead. It now grows wild beyond its native range in Africa and Turkey. This includes the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent too. It grows on sunny disturbed ground and in river sands.

This tender plant can live for more than one year. Its life is short, and people often grow it as an annual. Its branches may grow upright or spread out. Garden plants grow 3–4 feet (0.9–1.22 metres) tall and wide. Useful Tropical Plants gives heights up to 6.6 feet (2 metres). The stems are green, with dark green leaves. Leaves grow one at a time along the stem. Each leaf is whole, not split into leaflets. The leaves are egg-shaped, with wavy edges and soft down. They can reach 0.67 feet (0.20 metres) long. Crushed leaves have a bad smell.

The large, trumpet-shaped flowers point up. In contrast, Brugmansia flowers hang down. Flowers may be single or double. They may be white, yellow, lilac, or purple. They grow about 0.58 feet (0.18 metres) long. Each flower opens from a long, thin bud in late afternoon. They also open on cloudy days and fade by midday. Their strong, sweet scent suits a garden used at night. Bloom lasts from July until frost. Hawkmoths and other insects carry pollen between flowers. Brown or tan seed pods have spines. These capsules split open to let the seeds out. Seeds can lie in soil for years without sprouting.

Give plants rich soil that drains well but stays moist. They grow well in full sun or part shade. They cope with sandy soil and a range of soil pH. Sources give USDA zones 9–10 for plants to survive winter. Elsewhere, grow them as annuals or keep pots indoors through winter. Space plants that spread about 3 feet (0.9 metres) apart. Stakes can help hold up their spread. Grow them in borders, pots, or on their own as a feature. You need not pick off dead flowers. But plants may grow from seeds if you leave the pods.

Missouri Botanical Garden reports few major problems with pests or disease. Whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites can still attack the plants. All parts are highly poisonous to people and pets. Poisoning can make people see or hear things that are not there. It can also cause seizures and coma. Traditional medicine uses the plant to treat asthma and pain, among other uses. This does not make it safe to eat. Nor is it safe to use to treat yourself.