As noted and discussed by A.G. Avery et al., the taxonomy of D. metel is very confused, and it is reasonable to follow Schoenbeck-Temesy in using the name Datura fastuosa and considering D. metel as nomen confusum. The species can be distinguished from Datura innoxia mainly by the glabrous nature, the short spines or tubercles of the capsule and corolla which is often purplish suffused and double.