Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, black henbane or stinking nightshade, is a poisonous plant in the family Solanaceae. The origins of the name are unclear, but "hen" probably originally meant death rather than referring to chickens.
Henbane Care
Hyoscyamus niger
What is the plant
Hyoscyamus niger (commonly called by the names ‘Black Henbane’, ‘Henbane’ and ‘Stinking Nightshade’) is an alluring – yet deadly – poisonous biennial of the Solanaceae family, originating from Eurasia. Growing to around ninety centimetres or so tall in full sun, niger is prized for its gorgeously patterned, purple to cream, toxic flowers (the entire plant is poisonous if ingested, with some parts causing irritation to skin too). The plant also emits a strong to unpleasant smell, giving rise to the nickname ‘Stinking Nightshade’.
lighting
Full Sun
hardiness zone
min 5a
difficulty
Easy
toxicity
Poisonous
Invasive
Weed
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water regularly in average amounts, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between watering.
Sunlight
Choose a site where the plant will receive full sun to partial shade.
Soil
The plant is not too fussy about the type of soil but it does need to be well-draining, it will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
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Temperature
The plant is not frost tender and can survive winter temperatures down to -28.8°C (-20°F).
Popularity
113 people already have this plant 21 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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