The term “angel dust” primarily refers to phencyclidine (PCP), an illicit drug. This strong association often leads to confusion when the term is applied to plants. No common, safe ornamental plant is known as an “angel dust plant.” Any plant mistakenly linked to this name is likely extremely dangerous due to its high toxicity, highlighting severe dangers and misconceptions in a botanical context.
Understanding “Angel Dust Plant”
The phrase “angel dust” refers to phencyclidine (PCP), a potent dissociative anesthetic with significant mind-altering effects. This street drug can be applied to leafy plant material for consumption. Individuals searching for “angel dust plant” are often misinformed, referring instead to highly toxic plants containing powerful psychoactive compounds. These compounds induce severe hallucinogenic properties, leading to the mistaken belief they are related to PCP. The plants most often implicated in this confusion are Datura and Brugmansia, known for their potent toxins, not for yielding PCP.
These plants are not “angel dust plants” in any botanical sense. Their profound effects on the human mind, caused by naturally occurring toxins, lead to this dangerous misnomer. The confusion arises from the severe disorienting and hallucinogenic experiences reported by those who ingest them, which can superficially resemble some effects of illicit drugs. These plants are poisons, and their consumption, even in small amounts, can have devastating health consequences.
Identifying Toxic “Angel’s Trumpet” and “Thorn Apple” Plants
Two plant genera are frequently associated with the dangerous effects implied by “angel dust plant”: Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet) and Datura (Thorn Apple or Jimsonweed). Both belong to the Solanaceae family, the nightshade family, which includes many toxic species. All parts of these plants—leaves, flowers, seeds, and stems—contain highly toxic tropane alkaloids, such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine.
Brugmansia (Angel’s Trumpet)
Brugmansia species are woody shrubs or small trees, growing 6 to 15 feet in containers or up to 35 feet in landscapes. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers are pendulous, hanging downwards, and typically come in shades of white, yellow, peach, or pink. These flowers often have a strong, sweet fragrance, particularly at night. Brugmansia seed pods are smooth and do not split open.
Datura (Thorn Apple or Jimsonweed)
In contrast, Datura species are herbaceous plants, often behaving as annuals. They typically grow 2 to 3 feet tall. Their trumpet-shaped flowers are distinctly upright, pointing skyward, and are usually white or a combination of white and purple. Datura plants produce characteristic spiny, egg-shaped seed pods that split open to release black, kidney-shaped seeds. Differentiating between these two genera is crucial for identification due to their shared toxicity.
The Extreme Dangers of Ingestion and Misuse
Ingesting or misusing Datura or Brugmansia plants poses extreme health risks due to potent tropane alkaloids. These compounds disrupt the nervous system, leading to a range of severe and potentially fatal symptoms. Initial effects, appearing within 30 minutes to 4 hours of ingestion, include dry mouth, intense thirst, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry flushed skin, and elevated body temperature.
As poisoning progresses, individuals experience profound neurological effects, including disorientation, severe hallucinations, and delirium. Other dangerous symptoms include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and difficulty with speech and swallowing. In severe cases, muscle weakness, seizures, coma, and death can occur. These plants are potent poisons, and even small amounts can be lethal.
Safety Precautions and Emergency Response
Careful handling and clear safety measures are essential due to the extreme toxicity of Datura and Brugmansia plants. If these plants are present in a garden, wear protective clothing, including gloves, when pruning or handling them to avoid skin contact with the sap. After any contact, thoroughly wash hands and exposed skin. Keep children and pets away from these plants, as their curiosity can lead to accidental ingestion, the most common route of severe poisoning. The seed pods and flowers, especially, can be appealing to children and contain high concentrations of toxic compounds.
In the event of suspected poisoning from Datura or Brugmansia, immediate medical intervention is critical. Contact emergency services (e.g., 911) right away. Simultaneously, call a poison control center for expert guidance, such as the Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) in the United States. Provide as much information as possible, including the person’s age, weight, condition, the plant name if known, the time of ingestion, and the estimated amount swallowed. While these plants may be legal to grow ornamentally, their use for intoxication carries severe, potentially fatal risks.