Hyoscyamus niger BLACK HENBANE (plant)

Black Henbane plant, also identified by the vernacular name Hyoscyamus niger, is a biennial vascular plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, this plant is distinguished by its particularly rapid growth, reaching an average height of 60 cm at maturity.

The plant's foliage is remarkable for its large, oblong leaves, displaying very pronounced lobed patterns. Their grayish-green hue is enhanced by a covering of glandular hairs that give the plant a sticky texture. Pressure on the leaves releases a fetid scent, a natural signal of its high concentration of active principles.

During the summer, the plant is adorned with funnel-shaped corollas of a cream or pale yellow tone. The unique aesthetic of the flower comes from its mesh of dark purple veins that direct toward a deep violet, almost black, heart.

Once flowering is over, the plant produces a fruit in the form of a capsule protected by a calyx that hardens and becomes prickly. This fruit presents a fascinating botanical peculiarity: a transverse opening through which a circular lid detaches to release the future seeds starting in September.

- Properties and uses of the plant:

A Masterpiece of Heritage Gardens

Black Henbane plant is a captivating historical Solanaceous species, highly prized by ethnobotanical collectors for its wild appearance and singular flowering.
Documented since ancient times in traditional herbaria, it now finds its rightful place in medieval apothecary gardens and botanical conservatories.

A Mystic Silhouette with Unique Visual Appeal

This beautiful plant is distinguished by large, downy leaves and spectacular bell-shaped flowers of pale yellow veined with dark purple.
Welcoming our vigorous young potted plant from Ethnoplants allows you to directly observe one of the most fascinating specimens in European plant history.

An Accessible and Responsible Ornamental Crop

Particularly hardy and easy to grow in a sunny spot, this heritage variety must be cultivated exclusively for biodiversity preservation and botanical observation.
Due to the natural presence of highly toxic alkaloids within all its tissues, this magnificent ornamental specimen must be handled with care and must not be consumed under any circumstances.

- Cultivation and maintenance guide:

• Plant the Black Henbane specimen in a 3-liter pot just above the collar.
• Use a 10-liter pot with good, well-draining horticultural soil.
• Water gently at the base of the plant.
• Place it in a bright spot.
• You can also grow it directly in the ground in the garden.

- Substrate:

The henbane plant grows in nitrogen-rich soils. It thrives in deep, sandy, or limestone soils, provided they are well-drained. An airy substrate is crucial for the proper deployment of its taproot and to prevent crown rot.

- Sunlight / Light:

Full luminosity and full sun are essential to ensure robust growth. While the plant tolerates light shade in the south, direct exposure is preferable to guarantee quality flowering.

- Hardiness:

Adapted to the European climate, this plant is hardy and withstands cold winters. Its optimal development occurs between 15°C and 20°C. Unlike tropical plants, it strictly follows the rhythm of local seasons.

- Irrigation:

The Black Henbane plant has a natural resistance to drought episodes thanks to its deep root system. Watering should be moderate: maintain some moisture during the juvenile phase, then systematically let the soil surface dry before any new watering.

This article was written by Julien on 07/16/2026.