Hyoscyamus niger aka Common Henbane

Taxonomy ID: 9840

Hyoscyamus niger, also known as henbane, black henbane, or stinking nightshade, is a poisonous plant from the Solanaceae family. It is native to temperate Europe and Siberia, but has naturalised in Great Britain and Ireland. The plant is an annual or biennial herb with coarse, hairy stems and toothed, alternate leaves. Its tubular, 5-parted flowers are greenish-yellow or yellowish with purple veins, and its fruit is a capsule. Despite its alluring purple to cream-patterned flowers, the entire plant is highly toxic if ingested and can be fatal. Its unpleasant smell has earned it the nickname 'Stinking Nightshade'. The origins of the name 'henbane' are unclear, but it likely referred to death rather than chickens.

Common names

Common Henbane, Henbane, Black Henbane, Stinking Nightshade

More information about Common Henbane

How difficult is it to take care of Common Henbane

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Common Henbane due to its easy-going nature.

What is the region of origin of Common Henbane

Common Henbane’s native range is Much of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

What are the water needs for Common Henbane

Common Henbane should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the sunlight requirement for Common Henbane

To ensure optimal growth, the Common Henbane prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Is Common Henbane toxic to humans/pets?

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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