Henbane - Hyoscyamus niger (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Henbane

Also known as: Stinking nightshade, Henbell

Henbane is a poisonous annual or biennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean. The plant is entirely covered with greasy hairs. Its seeds spread from mid-spring to early fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Biennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

15 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 4.5 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Yellow, Green, Cream, Lavender, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Images of Henbane

Distribution of Henbane

Distribution Map

Henbane is naturally found spanning temperate regions of Europe, North Africa, and across Asia from the Middle East to China. It has also spread to temperate zones on other continents. Its introduced range includes parts of East Asia and the Pacific, where it is less common. Besides being native to extensive areas, henbane is also cultivated in various regions for diverse purposes.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground, Roadsides, Yards, Gardens, Soil heaps, Fields, Church lands, Ruins, Mills, Harbours

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Toxicity

Henbane is highly toxic when ingested and causes skin irritation on contact. All parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms include salivation, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high pulse, coma, and convulsions. Minimal risk of mistaken ingestion by adults, but children are most at risk. Commonly found in grasslands, pastures, and roadsides.

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Weed Control

Henbane is considered an invasive noxious weed in the US and Canada. Each plant produces thousands of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for long periods of time, enabling the production of seedbanks that will sprout new plants for years. Primarily, henbane affects crops such as wheat, millet, cotton, and hay, as well as grazing pastures. However, they are limited in their spread by other plants, so planting other desirable species near disturbances will quickly mitigate the growth of this weed. If hand-removing seeding plants, be sure to bag them to prevent spreading the seeds.

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Quickly Identify Henbane

Large, tubular flowers with yellow and purple coloring distinguish henbane.

Distinctly hairy, sticky leaves with toothed margins and glandular hairs characterize henbane.

Sturdy, erect stems covered in fine, bristly hairs with a slight purplish tint.

Axillary flowers in leaf axils forming a unique 5-part arrangement.

Capsule fruit resembling a pineapple, turning brown with up to 200 seeds inside.

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Care Guide for Henbane

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Henbane thrives in dry, open habitats and is drought-tolerant, needing weekly watering to avoid soil saturation. Suited for temperate regions, its growth aligns with seasonal rainfall, making it ideal for water-wise gardening.

Fertilize: For henbane, use high-phosphorus fertilizers to enhance root growth and blooms. Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, reducing in winter. Water henbane before fertilizing to aid absorption, and conduct annual soil tests for precise nutrition management.

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