Black Henbane

Hyoscyamus niger

Class A Noxious Weed

This plant is new to the state and has been designated a Class A Noxious Weed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Toxic to Horses

This plant has been documented to sicken or injure horses.
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Livestock Hazard

This plant presents a threat to the health and/or quality of livestock.
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Children & Pets

This plant may pose a particular risk to unsupervised children and animals due to its toxicity or potential for injury.
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QUICK FACTS

Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is toxic to all animals and humans, causing serious symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, and even death. All parts of black henbane are poisonous, including the smoke from burning. Livestock will usually avoid it because of its foul odor and bitter taste, unless other forage is unavailable.
Black henbane doesn’t spread vegetatively. Instead, it relies entirely on seeds—making early removal before flowering the key to controlling outbreaks. A single black henbane plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds, which remain viable in the soil for up to 5 years.The plant is capable of forming dense infestations, replacing desirable native species, impacting agricultural production, and reducing plant biodiversity.
Its cream-to-yellow flowers with distinct purple veins and rotting-flesh smell make black henbane unmistakable once encountered.

1. Overview

family	Solanaceae- Nightshades	origin	Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa
life cycle	Annual or Biennial	other names	Many; common henbane, fetid nightshade, hog’s bean, hogbane, insane root, and stinking nightshade.

A noxious smelling, bitter tasting plant, that if the climate and soils permit, will take over your field in 2 years.

Henbane has been confirmed to be found in three counties within NM: Rio Arriba, San Juan, Colfax and Taos counties. It is currently listed as a Class A noxious weed by the New Mexico Department Of Agriculture [1].

It is found in temperate climates. It is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant commonly found along roadsides, in rocky terrains, and in uncultivated areas. It was brought to North America originally as a medical herb. Historically, the plant has been used during rituals and in witchcraft or in medicine as a sedative or painkiller. Currently the tropane alkaloids within Black Henbane are being used in medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as intestinal problems, respiratory disorders, neuralgias, Parkinson’s tremors and possibly some cancers. It has been recorded as a frequently recurring plant in mythology [2, 3].

History of Field bindweed

Black henbane was first introduced in America as a useful medicinal plant in the 17th century. Other reports say it might have been introduced as early as the 16th century, which is plausible as it could have been used by explorers for treating inflammation and pain. During the 16th century, Europeans had sent many explorers on expeditions toward North america. The expedition De Soto, was the exploration of the south east, namely florida during 1539-1543. Then Escalante & Barrado, which was the exploration of the south west, namely New Mexico during the year 1583.

It was introduced firstly to the east coast, and became naturalized there (introduced but not noxious). It has since been introduced to New Mexico, and its first official confirmed sighting in NM was in 1993, it has not been well established and has since been classified as a Class A weed, meaning we still have a chance at fighting it off before it’s here to stay. Most sightings are around Rio Arriba county, though data may be skewed due to more extensive survey or monitoring efforts, leading to more citations. Or it could be due to the presence of local conservation programs, research studies, or a higher number of field surveys conducted in Northern New Mexico. There is a trend of the plant being introduced more south of the state. [4, 5]

But it has a long history even before that introduction. Black henbane is a common anthropic psychoactive plant that is used throughout Eurasia and North Africa in ancient times, and now throughout the world. The plant has been described in every traditional medicine throughout the ages. It has a fascinating history, once used in the Middle Ages by magicians and healers for ritual purification and in concoctions to alter consciousness, sometimes leading to poisoning. It was one of the most important pain relievers of past times. In a text written in the 1900’s refers to the plant as a pain reliever, “A small fragment of a lead, or a drop of the juice of the plant falling upon the eye, dilated the pupil in a remarkable manner. It is used in medicine as a substitute, in some cases, for opium.” [6, 7]

It also appears in ancient Greek mythology, where it was used in crowns for the dead to erase memories, and its toxic properties made it dangerous for livestock, earning its name “henbane” in Old English. Today, the plant is valued in modern medicine for its alkaloids, which are used in treatments for motion sickness, nausea, and muscle spasms. [7]

Black henbane, scientifically known as Hyoscyamus niger, is native to parts of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Its origins date back thousands of years, with its earliest known use by ancient civilizations. The plant’s toxic properties and psychoactive effects have made it both feared and revered in various cultures. The earliest findings of this plant would be in Egypt, in the Farafra oasis; some seeds of the Hyoscyamus species were found there to date back to 6000 BC. During that time, it was also popular to add to beer, as evidenced in the remains of ancient pottery. Later on, around 600-400 BC, it was used in the brewing of malt. [8]

More recent findings, were in viking tombs that date back to 1050 AD. [9] One of the oldest records of Henbane is in a document called Ebers Papyrus, also known as Papyrus Ebers. Ebers Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 1550 BC and it referred to henbane to be a pain reliever and sleep remedy. [10, 11]

2. ID Guide

What does it look like?

Black henbane is a biennial herbaceous plant that can act like an annual if given a long growing season. The whole plant is sticky and covered in glandular hairs. The plant can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. Its flowers are cream to light yellow with purple veins. The plant will develop fruits that dry into capsules containing many small black seeds. The plant has a pungent, nauseous/fetid odor. Its smell has been described as smelling like rotting flesh or fish, while others say it smells like moldy potatoes. The color of the overall plant tends to be a grey-green color [16, 17].

Henbane is more likely to act like a biennial in New Mexico as vernalization is more critical to bolting and flowering than reaching a certain size, but if the growing season is long enough, it is possible for the plant to still flower within one year. Henbane can bolt within 26 days of vernalization (with 117 days of active growth), and the plant can bolt at a much smaller size. Without the vernalization, the plant needs to grow to a certain height, which could be a growing season of 278 days [18].

When acting as a biennial, henbane will first develop a rosette for a growing season before producing stems. The biennial plant will be highly branched, but when it’s acting like an annual, its stems will have only a few branches. Those are the only differences between its life cycle variation, depending on growing conditions and climate [19].

The plant is the only species of Hyoscyamus (of 20 species) to have naturalized in the USA. It is easy to differentiate from other nightshades in the Solanaceae family, as it has distinctive foliage, flowers, and fruit. Look particularly for its lobed, toothed leaves with an alternating arrangement on the stem. Another signature or distinct feature is its yellow flowers with purple veins, which will produce pineapple-shaped fruits with small black seeds similar to poppy seeds.

There is a genus of plants to look out for, such as Physalis. The species within the Physalis genus may appear to look similar due to it’s fuzzy toothed leaves, some are sticky and flowers that can appear to be purple at the center, with radial symmetry and yellow to cream petals, but it will be lacking the distinctive purple venation of henbane, will not have henbanes bad smell, and it’s fruits are round like a small tomato and surrounded by a husk.

After germination and during its early growth state, it may look like a thistle due to its large rosettes that are generally toothed to incised leaves that are covered with fine hairs, but an indication that they aren’t thistles is that they lack spines. [15]

Having trouble identifying a weed? Contact your local conservation district or county extension agent.

Key Features

Plant: The stems of mature BH are erect, leafy, branched, and densely covered with long glandular hairs and reach 1 to 3 feet. This plant has a foul odor. [13]
Roots: Its taproot is thick and fleshy. [13]
Leaves: The leaves (cotyledons) are lance-shaped to oblong with a few hairs on the bottom (basal) margins. The margins of the leaves are slightly wavy. The leaf veins are prominent and depressed on the upper surface. [13]
“Leaves: First year a basal rosette, second year usually only alternate. Rosette leaves stalked, stem leaves amplexicaul. Leaf blade elliptic–ovate, large-toothed–pinnatifid [21]”

“ The leaves of the basal rosette are alternate and often have stalks almost as long as the blades. The stem leaves are alternate, shallowly lobed, and gray-green with conspicuous pale veins. Covered with short, sticky hairs, the leaves have a foul odor.” [19]

Leaves are coarsely-toothed to shallowly lobed. They are sticky and hairy with a foul odor. Leaves may grow in rosettes (a radiating cluster of leaves at ground level), the first year. The leaf arrangement is alternate [22].
Flowers: are seen in June–September. However, the annual flowers are in July or August, and the biennial flowers are in May and June. The flowers are brownish-yellow and have a purple center and purple veins. They grow on long racemes in the axils of upper leaves. Annual plant has shorter and weaker flowers than biennial plants. [13]

“The flowers occur both at the ends of the stems in long, leafy spikes and singly in the spaces between the leaves and the stem. Each flower is composed of sepals fused into an urn shape and petals fused into a funnel shape with unequal lobes. The flowers are pale yellow with conspicuous purple veins and a purple throat. At their bases, the flowers are densely covered with long, glandular hairs. Black henbane flowers from June through September, but the annuals tend to bloom later in the season than the biennials.

“The showy funnel-shaped flowers have five cream to dark yellow petals with purple veins and dark centres [23].”

The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule, or a dry fruit composed of more than one carpel that opens at maturity. The fruits are about one inch long, with hundreds of tiny seeds. The fused sepals loosely enclose the fruit and conceal it from view” [19].

Seeds: Hundreds of golden to brown seeds, 1.5 millimeters long, are in oval shaped fruit. As one plant produces about 10,000 seeds, the annual forms produce weaker and later developed seeds. [13]
“Both annuals and biennials have a thick and fleshy taproot. Black henbane reproduces by seeds that can remain viable in the soil for up to five years” [19].

Warning:

“Clinical manifestations of acute BH poisoning are very wide which include mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmia, agitation, convulsion and coma, dry mouth, thirst, slurred speech, difficulty speaking, dysphagia, warm flushed skin, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision and photophobia, urinary retention, distension of the bladder, drowsiness, hyper reflexia, auditory, visual or tactile hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, delirium, aggressiveness, and combative behavior.” [13]

Fritz Stockreiter, inaturalist

The flowers are brownish-yellow and have a purple center and purple veins.

Alexander Iosipenko, inaturalist

Large rosettes have toothed to incised leaves that are covered with fine hairs.

Ярослав Бурматов, inaturalist

Dried seed pods appear in early fall and can remain on the dead stems for quite some time.

5341004

The leaves are lance-shaped to oblong with a few hairs on the bottom margins.

dvs1972, inaturalist

This plant can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. The color of the overall plant tends to be a grey-green color.

Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

Hundreds of golden to brown seeds, 1.5 millimeters long, are in oval shaped fruit.

3. Infestation Basics

“…”

-John Doe

Where and how does it grow, and how does it spread?

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normal paragraphs

Key takeaway: how to prevent

Why is it so invasive?

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Key takeaway: italic

Common risk factors for invasion

Open disturbed areas: It thrives in disturbed sites, including pastures, meadows, roadsides, riparian areas, and waste areas. Poor vegetation cover, meaning areas with limited competitive desirable plants, are more susceptible to black henbane infestation. Fires also disturb the soil and vegetation enough to allow for invasion by henbane.
Anthropochory: Soil disturbances through machinery and improper grazing practices can create favorable conditions for black henbane establishment. It also spreads through shoes, clothes, and vehicles. It is also commonly grown by herbalists, so it could also escape cultivation.
Seed: Black henbane seed can spread through contaminated forage such as dried hay, and crop seeds. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to five years, creating a persistent seed bank.

Impacts

Toxicity

It is extremely poisonous to both humans and livestock. The plant contains toxic alkaloids like hyoscyamine and scopolamine that can cause severe neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Accidental exposure through ingestion, inhalation of smoke from burning plants, or dermal contact with sap can lead to poisoning, requiring immediate medical attention.

Economic losses

“decreasing crop yields and lowering available forage for range animals, resulting in a decrease in livestock health.” “The full extent of ecological, economic, and sociological impacts of black henbane is not well documented.” Harbours major crop pests, which can be detrimental to the farming industry. “Potato pests are fond of the prickly leaves.” [31, 35, 36]

Biodiversity and Native Vegetation

Once established, it forms dense stands due to its prolific seed-producing nature that creates shade and large volumes of leaf litter. The extra competition, shade and possible smothering prevents native plants from growing. This reduces plant biodiversity and forage for wildlife [37].

4. Management Strategies

Black henbane is a biennial that reproduces only by seed, so the best management is to prevent seed production. This also makes small infestations much easier to manage, as you only have to focus on preventing seed production. Mechanical methods, such as pulling or digging, can be effective if the taproot is removed at least 2 inches deep. This process should be repeated annually until the seed bank in the soil is exhausted. The most effective long-term weed control is promoting the growth of healthy native or desirable plant species after the initial removal of black henbane. This method will promote healthier soils and help continue to outcompete the henbane. There are no biological control agents for black henbane, and grazing is not recommended due to its toxicity.

DO’s

Prevent seed production by cutting down the plant before it flowers or uprooting it 2 inches deep before it flowers.
Monitor your property regularly, especially in areas with disturbed or bare soils.
Maintain healthy soils by not overgrazing and promoting desirable vegetation.

DON’Ts

Use grazing as a control method, as henbane is toxic to poultry, cattle, and swine. They also avoid it as it tastes and smells bad. So it is not an effective control method.
Leave seeds to mature, as they will produce thousands of seeds, and increase the chances of it becoming a larger infestation.
Unnecessarily disturb the soil, as it will expose henbane seeds and promote germination.

** The following information is provided courtesy of the UC Weed Research and Information Center. The Taos Soil and Water Conservation District does not endorse the use of any particular product, brand, or application thereof. **

Management strategies include hand-pulling or digging to remove root systems, mowing to inhibit growth, and planting competitive cover crops to suppress weed establishment.

Pulling, Cutting, Disking

Hand removal has been shown to offer some level of control, as has mowing and cultivation. Gloves should be worn for any hand removal as the plant is poisonous. Taproots must be removed to 2 inches below ground to ensure that resprouting does not occur. Mechanical methods should be repeated annually to exhaust the soil seed reserve.

Plants are poisonous, thus they are not recommended in a grazing control program.

There are no biological control agents available for black henbane.

The following specific use information is based on published papers or reports by researchers and land managers. Other trade names may be available, and other compounds also are labeled for this weed. Directions for use may vary between brands; see label before use. Herbicides are listed by mode of action and then alphabetically. The order of herbicide listing is not reflective of the order of efficacy or preference.

2,4-D
Several names

Rate: 2 to 4 pt product/acre (0.95 to 1.9 lb a.e./acre)

Timing: Postemergence before flowering to prevent seed production and dispersal. Best applied to young plants.

Remarks: 2,4-D is a restricted use herbicide in some areas. It will damage most broadleaf species.

Dicamba

Banvel, Clarity

Rate: 4.75 to 8 oz product (Perspective)/acre

Timing: Postemergence when vegetation is fully developed.

Remarks: Perspective provides broad-spectrum control of many broadleaf species. Although generally safe to grasses, it may suppress or injure certain annual and perennial grass species. Do not treat in the root zone of desirable trees and shrubs. Do not apply more than 11 oz product/acre per year. At this high rate, cool-season grasses will be damaged, including bluebunch wheatgrass. Not yet labeled for grazing lands. Add an adjuvant to the spray solution. This product is not approved for use in California and some counties of Colorado (San Luis Valley).

Fluroxypyr

Vista XRT

Rate: 15 to 22 oz product/acre (5.3 to 7.7 oz a.e./acre)

Timing: Postemergence before flowering to prevent seed production and dispersal. Best applied to young plants from rosette to bolting stage.

Remarks: Fluroxypyr is a broadleaf herbicide with little soil activity.

Picloram

Tordon 22K

Rate: 1 to 2 pt product/acre (4 to 8 oz a.e./acre)

Timing: Preemergence or post emergence in spring when plants are growing rapidly, but before bloom. Treatments can also be made in late summer for preemergence activity. Picloram can be used in a premix with 2,4-D (Grazon P+D) or tank mixed with 2,4-D at 1 lb a.e./acre.

Remarks: Picloram is a restricted use herbicide. It is not registered for use in California.

Glyphosate

Roundup, Accord XRT II, and others

Rate: 2 to 4 qt product (Roundup ProMax)/acre (2.25 to 4.5 lb a.e./acre)

Timing: Postemergence before flowering to prevent seed production and dispersal. Best applied to young plants.

Remarks: Glyphosate provides effective control. It is nonselective and has no soil activity. Wiper applications for small patches can provide selectivity.

Chlorsulfuron

Telar

Rate: 0.5 to 1 oz product/acre (0.375 to 0.75 oz a.i./acre)

Timing: Postemergence to rapidly growing plants from bolting to early flowering stage.

Remarks: Chlorsulfuron is a very effective control option, but has a broad spectrum of susceptible species. Its residual soil activity gives effective control one year later. Chlorsulfuron can be applied in combination with metsulfuron in the premix trade name Cimarron Plus. This combination is not registered for use in California.

Metsulfuron

Escort

Rate: 1 to 2 oz product/acre (0.6 to 1.2 oz a.i./acre)

Timing: Postemergence to rapidly growing plants from bolting to early flowering stage.

Remarks: Metsulfuron has some residual control activity. Use with a non-ionic or silicone-based surfactant. It can be applied in combination with chlorsulfuron in the premix trade name Cimarron X-tra. Metsulfuron is not registered for use in California.

5. Citations

Citations:

[1] “New Mexico Noxious Weed List.” Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/media/pdf/noxious-weed-memo-and-list-june-2020.pdf

[2] S. Lekmine et al., “Therapeutic potential of Hyoscyamus niger-derived compounds: Targeting ovarian cancer through antioxidant activity and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition,” Journal of King Saud University – Science, vol. 36, no. 3, p. 103103, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jksus.2024.103103.

[3] “Exhibition: Magical, Mystical and Medicinal – Black Henbane – the Witches’ Favourite.” Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.europeana.eu/en/exhibitions/magical-mystical-and-medicinal/henbane

[4] “EXPLORATION,” Nov. 2006, Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/amerbegin/exploration/exploration.htm

[5] “black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.)”, Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.eddmaps.org/state.cfm?sub=5736&country=926&stateid=35

[6] W. Darlington and G. Thurber, American Weeds and Useful Plants Being a Second and Illustrated Edition of Agricultural Botany. 1859. Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/ADwXAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

[7] “The Powerful Solanaceae: Henbane.” Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/henbane.shtml

[8] G. Samorini, “The oldest archeological data evidencing the relationship of Homo sapiens with psychoactive plants: A worldwide overview,” Journal of Psychedelic Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 63–80, Mar. 2019, doi: 10.1556/2054.2019.008.

[9] “A seeress from Fyrkat?” Accessed: Apr. 20, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/religion-magic-death-and-rituals/a-seeress-from-fyrkat/#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20there%20is%20the,may%20have%20been%20a%20seeress

[11] The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Ebers papyrus.” Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ebers-papyrus

[12] L. F. Haas, “Hyoscyamus niger (henbane).,” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 114–114, Aug. 1995, doi: 10.1136/jnnp.59.2.114.
[13] A. Alizadeh, M. Moshiri, J. Alizadeh, and M. Balali-Mood, “Black henbane and its toxicity – a descriptive review.,” Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 297–311, Sep. 2014, Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4224707/
[10] Unknown, The Papyrus Ebers / translated from the German version by Cyril P. Bryan ; with an introduction by G. Elliot Smith. Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/2027/coo.31924073200077

[14] N. Culpeper, Culpeper’s Complete Herbal. London: Richard Evans, No. 8, White’s Row, Spitalfields, 1814. Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://dn790009.ca.archive.org/0/items/cu31924001353279/cu31924001353279.pdf
[15] Unknown, “Monthly Weed Post – February 2014 – Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger).” Feb. 2014. Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.montana.edu/extension/invasiveplants/documents/extension/weed_posts/2014/February_black_henbane.pdf

[16] Unknown, “Written Findings Of The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.” 2015. Accessed: Apr. 22, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/images/weeds/Hyoscyamus-WF.pdf#:~:text=Solanum%20rostratum%2C%20buffalobur%2C%20and%20Solanum%20elaeagnifolium%20are,spiny%20leaves%2C%20yellow%20flowers%20and%20spiny%20fruit
[17] Unknown, “Henbane,” Herbal Reality . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/henbane/

[18] C. E. Fettig and R. A. Hufbauer, “Introduced North American Black Henbane ( Hyoscyamus niger ) Populations are Biennial,” Invasive Plant Science and Management, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 624–630, Dec. 2014, doi: 10.1614/IPSM-D-14-00015.1.

[19] Unknown, “Exotic Species: Black Henbane,” National Park Service . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.nps.gov/articles/black-henbane.htm

[20] R. Haehle, “Do Plants Have Hairs? Here’s Why ,” A Garden Diary . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.a-garden-diary.com/do-plants-have-hairs-heres-why-2/

[21] Unknown, “Henbane .” Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://agrobaseapp.com/canada/weed/henbane

[22] Unknown, “Black Henbane ,” Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/black-henbane

[23] The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Henbane ,” Britannica . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/plant/henbane
[24] M. Pokorny, J. Mangold, and R. Kittle, “Black Henbane: Identification, Biology and Integrated Management,” Montana State University Extension . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://apps.msuextension.org/montguide/guide.html?sku=MT201005AG
[25] Unknown, “Black Henbane.” Kootenai County Noxious Weed Control . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.kcgov.us/DocumentCenter/View/18574/Black-Henbane

[26] Unknown, “Black henbane Identification and Management,” Flyer. Colorado Department of Agriculture , Jul. 2015. Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.weld.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/departments/public-works/documents/black-henbane-fact-sheet.pdf

[27] Unknown, “Black Henbane Fact Sheet.” Salt Lake County Health Department . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/globalassets/1-site-files/health/programs/weeds/black_henbane.pdf

[28] Unknown, “Black Henbane.” British Columbia , Aug. 2024. Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/invasive-species/alerts/black_henbane_alert.pdf

[29] K. Reeves, “Black Henbane.” American Southwest , Apr. 07, 2010. Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/498802

[30] Unknown, “War on Weeds — Weeds are Everybody’s Problem.” University of Idaho . Accessed: May 12, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/uidaho-responsive/files/extension/topic/war-on-weeds-blog/7-13-24-wow-black-henbane.pdf?la=en&rev=08907311cb3a4543b343002b4751b4aa

[31] M. Pokorny, J. Mangold, and R. Kittle, “Black Henbane: Identification, Biology and Integrated Management.” Montana State University Extension , May 2017. Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.montana.edu/extension/invasiveplants/documents/publications/extension_publications/black_henbane.pdf

[32] C. Grant, “Invasive weed Black Henbane spotted in Kimberley.” Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.kimberleybulletin.com/home/invasive-weed-black-henbane-spotted-in-kimberley-7424247

[33] Unknown, “Black henbane – Invasive Species ,” Invasive Species Council of BC. Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://bcinvasives.ca/invasives/black-henbane/

[34] T. D. Dines, S. M. Smart, and K. J. Walker, “Hyoscyamus niger L. in BSBI Online Plant Atlas 2020.” Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://plantatlas2020.org/atlas/2cd4p9h.fcr

[35] Unknown, “Black Henbane Fact Sheet 2019.” Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council , Mar. 2020. Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://wpcdn.tnrd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17134747/Black-Henbane-Factsheet-2019.pdf

[36] J. Ashigh, J. Wanstall, and F. Sholedice, Troublesome Weeds of New Mexico . Las Cruces : College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, 2010. Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/troublesome_weeds_nm.pdf

[37] Unknown, “INVASIVE PLANT ALERT: Toxic Black Henbane has been found in Nelson. Report ALL sightings!,” INaturalistMX . Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://mexico.inaturalist.org/journal/ckiss_kootenay/95996-invasive-plant-alert-toxic-black-henbane-has-been-found-in-nelson-report-all-sightings

[38] S. Edwards, “Romans kept black henbane seeds in hollowed-out bone, a new study has found. Here’s what they might have been used for,” The Conversation. Accessed: May 13, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://theconversation.com/romans-kept-black-henbane-seeds-in-hollowed-out-bone-a-new-study-has-found-heres-what-they-might-have-been-used-for-2234

Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org

Екатерина Худокормова,inaturalist.org

Fun Facts

During the Middle Ages, it was also known as the ‘witches plant’. It was used by magicians and healers in ritual purifications through smoke and in concoctions. In Germany, during that time period, it was also used to increase the intoxicating effects of beer, which, as you can guess, caused many poisonings. In Greek mythology, it was used to create crowns for the dead, so they may forget their past. [1, 2, 3, 31]

Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Fun Facts

Today, extracts from black henbane are commonly used in prescription medications to treat nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or surgery, as well as to manage muscle spasms.
The entire plant, from leaves, roots, and even its seeds, contains alkaloids, such as Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Tropane, and Scopolamine. [4,13,31]

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Nuradil, inaturalist

Fun Facts

The scientific name comes from the Greek root of Hyoscyamus (hyos=pig and cymos=bean), meaning Hog’s-bean. It was believed that pigs could eat the plant without suffering harm. But pigs will be harmed by eating a certain amount of this plant. The common name is a direct translation of “hen killer” in Anglo-Saxon (Old English). Henn means chicken, and Bana means murder or causing death. This was because fowls would eat the seeds and die. [13]