Purple Datura or Brugmansia?

Here's my newest addition...Double Purple Datura...or Brugmansia!

I love the shape and color of this bloom.

The double bloom and the curling tips are hypnotic to me.

 

Admittedly, I thought the plant to be Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet)

even though it was labeled Datura (Devil's Trumpet). 

And so the investigation ensued....!

 

Apparently, there are distinct differences between

the Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet) and the Datura (Devil's Trumpet). 

 

 

First, Brugmansia does not come in purple/blue hues...only Datura does. 

Additionally, Brugmansia blooms are pendulous

while Datura are mostly erect or slightly pendulous. 

 

 

Brugmansia has a woody stem

while the Datura has an herbaceous stem (non-woody). 

Mine is woody and appears more like a shrub or tree vs. a vine. 

Hmmmm! 

However, there is an exotic form of Datura

with a black woody stem, just like mine. 

 

 

And then, there's the seed pod. 

Brugmansia has a smooth pod

while the Datura has a thorny pod. 

Although my seed pods so not have thorns,

they are pointy and definitely not smooth.

 

The pods burst open to scatter the seeds.

The Datura is smaller than the Brugmansia and not as long lived.

 

Additionally the Datura likes drier environments while Brugmansia enjoys moisture.

 

Both are very fragrant and all parts of the plants are highly toxic/poisonous. 

 

 

So it's decided that my plant is a lovely double purple Datura.

I'll keep sweet Lola away from this intoxicating beauty...

she's too precious!