RPGMemes

I feel that they can't just jump out of it, as that basically just nullifies the spell entirely, I generally imply the plants are actually grabbing people.

As for pulling out their crossbows, at level 5, enemies are already begining to move from humanoids with equipment to unique creatures. A wereboar or ettin for example doesn't have any RAW ranged weapons.

The spell is also absolutely amazing to pair with another Spellcaster with consistent AOE damage such as moonbeam or ideally sickening radiance or cloudkill. That's the real army killer as once the spell is up, you can take cover and let them be microwaved while they can't reasonably counter you.