Asked on May 14, 2016

Does anyone know what type of plant this is and how to get rid of it?

This "volunteer" plant blooms pretty white flowers . I have tried digging up the root, etc, but it just comes back. It has also started a couple of other places.
  20 answers
  • Cathy Cathy on May 14, 2016
    Moon flower
  • Ms. M Ms. M on May 14, 2016
    Hi Martha! I believe you have a "Datura Alba" sometimes called a Trumpet Flower! It's very important that you make sure that you have Datura Alba and not Datura stramonium which is known as Jimson Weed and is VERY poisonous! I would cut a sample (wear gloves!!) And take it to a local nursery or College that has a botony program so that you know for sure! :-) Hope this helps!
  • Linda Bryant Linda Bryant on May 14, 2016
    It is a Moonflower and reseeds with the sticker pods every year...if you get rid of the plant and don't let it go to seed, you will get rid of the plant eventually. Many people are allergic to the sticker pod and break into a rash, plus it is poisonous to ingest. It is really beautiful if you have the right place and requires no maintenance and is easy to grow and is covered with flowers from dusk to dawn.
  • Doris V. Doris V. on May 15, 2016
    These are Angel Trumpets. Old timers called them Jimson weeds. They were originally weeds, but are found in various forms in flower gardens now. They are poisonous, so beware where you use them.
  • The flowers resemble the moonflower, however the leaf does not truly look like that of the moonflower. The leaves should resemble the morning glory vine.
  • Leada Wood Leada Wood on May 15, 2016
    Moonflowers not Angel trumpets they are a little different. JImson weed is entirely different.
  • Ton6334922 Ton6334922 on May 15, 2016
    This is the southern treasured "moon flower" Blooms in the evening and appears to reflect the moon...I was somewhat successfulgrowing them in NY but alas they moved on...I now lilve in LA* (lower Alabama) and would lovve to have some seed to plant in my courtyard..thanks..Tonya
  • WJ WJ on May 15, 2016
    Always refer to your local horticulturist-if the plant is Datura it's really dangerous and should be disposed of properly.
  • Elvira Irene Elvira Irene on May 15, 2016
    The plant is Datura, is poisonous and should be destroyed; common name Jimson weed, it is pretty. Just google Jimson weed, and you will see photos, and get info on it.
  • Katrina Smalley Katrina Smalley on May 16, 2016
    99% of plants in our yards are poisonous...tomatoes are members of the Nightshade family and the leaves can kill you...I envy your patch of Datura's -- Devils Trumpets---night blooming to attract the night feeders...cut seed pods off to control as each contains thousands of seeds.
  • Kathy Thomas Kathy Thomas on May 16, 2016
    It is a beauty.
  • Laura B Corn Laura B Corn on May 17, 2016
    It is very poisonous
  • Martha Petersen Dudley Martha Petersen Dudley on May 17, 2016
    Thank you to everyone for your help
  • Angella Marie Angella Marie on May 20, 2016
    Its a Moon Flower Plant!! Blooms starting at dusk. Hard to get rid of due to the seed pods that it produces, but it can be done. keeping it trimmed once every couple of weeks will help keep it under control, but once the pods start dropping and opening, you'll be expanding that plant in no time
  • Martha Petersen Dudley Martha Petersen Dudley on May 20, 2016
    Thank you to everyone that gave me input. Moon Flower Plant is what almost everyone responded with. Also, I have decided to get rid of it because I am trying to have a low maintenance setup and it sounds like this could take over my yard. Thanks again to everyone for your help!
  • Gail Gail on Jun 03, 2016
    I agree with the identification of your plant as moon flower AKA jimson weed. And, yes, it can be poisonous or used as a means for hallucinations by idiots. However, I also agree with an earlier comment noting that many plants people love are poisonous -- poinsettias are another example. They are, nevertheless, beautiful. I'm not sure where you live as in so many places they are not likely to survive well in colder zones but I've never had a problem with the moonflower spreading out of control. Personally, I love the plant for it's beauty.
  • Andy Andy on Sep 11, 2016
    the plant is called datura or common name angels trumpet.highly fragrant night blooming poisonous plant with seed pod that resembles a chestnut in its husk with spikes. as for getting rid of it I suggest digging up root system or covering area with black plastic sheet for six weeks to let sun bake the plant. depending on how long plant has been growing it may have extensive tuberous root system very deep in the ground. alternatively you could use weed killer if plant is very large but multiple applications may be needed.
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 31, 2023

    Datura - check it out in good garden book!

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 06, 2023

    Just to be certain take this photo into a nursery or better yet your local master gardner so they can ID it. If is is invasive or worse you would need to get rid of it.

    Had a plant the neighbor gave us and it was beautiful but you had to wear gloves just to touch it. So we pulled it (don't want to take a chance we have pets).