Hyoscyamus aureus aka Golden Henbane

Hyoscyamus aureus is known as golden-flowered henbane. It belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Its native range spans the eastern Mediterranean to northwestern Iraq. Records include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew places it in the subtropical climate zone. In the wild, it grows on cliffs, old walls, and ruins. These habitats reach about 3,940 feet [1,200 metres] above sea level.

This plant can grow as a biennial or perennial. It reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] in height. A long taproot makes moving older plants difficult. Root disturbance can harm their growth, so move seedlings while small. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied sources give no detailed account of its leaves or stems. They also give no flowering season or fruit description.

Choose a hot, sunny spot with soil that drains well. The plant will not grow in shade. It suits gaps in walls and rock crevices. It also grows in garden beds and near east-facing walls. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all support it. Good drainage matters across these soil types. It prefers fertile soil with an alkaline reaction. Yet it also tolerates mildly acid and neutral ground. It can grow in strongly alkaline soil as well. Both dry and moist soils suit it, and coastal sites can work.

PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10 for this species. It suggests plants may survive temperatures near 14°F [-10°C]. That estimate is tentative, and colder parts of Britain may prove unsuitable. The plant seeds itself freely in suitable sites. This makes it an option for informal garden areas. Sow fresh seed soon after it ripens. Stored seed loses its ability to sprout fast. Sow where plants will grow, or move young seedlings before roots develop further.

All parts are highly poisonous and must not be eaten. Poisoning can affect sight and cause convulsions or coma. Severe cases can end in fatal heart or breathing failure. PFAF records a use for pain relief, but stresses the danger. This medicinal record does not make home use safe. No edible uses or other practical uses are recorded.