What is brugmansia?

Brugmansia is a flowering plant that may grow like a bush or small tree. It has a somewhat rough, tan colored bark. It has a series of large yellow, white, red or pink blooms that may flower from late spring through fall and even into early winter. It has branches that respond well to summer cuttings, in terms of propagation. It has a delicate, pleasing lemony fragrance. It has spineless but inedible fruits. It has alternating, toothed leaves. It has spreading roots that prefer moist, fertile drained soils in locations that may range from full sun to part shade.

So it's an attractive plant. But it's finicky about frost free temperature ranges. That's because it's native to the Andean mountain regions of such South American countries as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador.

In its native range, it plays an important role in the activities of local shamans. It's a bit surprising that it has such a role. The reason lies in the extreme toxicity of all plant parts to animals and humans. Specifically, consumption of any brugmansia plant part well may be fatal.