Black Henbane

Small Black henbane plant.
Group of Black henbane plants.
Black henbane flower.

Black Henbane

Hyoscyamus niger

Colorado List B - Eradication required in Jefferson County

Information Sheet (pdf)


General

  • Annual to biennial forb
  • Introduced from Europe and Africa
  • Nightshade family (Solanaceae)


Common Names

  • Stinking nightshade, hogbane


Habitat

  • Found in rangelands, pastures, open areas, roadsides and disturbed areas


Plant


Vegetation

  • Covered with soft hairs
  • Leaves about 6 inches wide and up to 8 inches long
  • Mature plants up to 6 feet tall
  • Unpleasant smell


Roots

  • Branched taproot


Flower

  • Season: June to September
  • Two rows along spike
  • White with purple throat


Seed

  • 10,000 - 500,000 seeds per plant. Remain dormant for 5 years or more
  • Germinates in fall through early spring
  • Small black in pineapple-shaped fruit


Seedling

  • Rosette


Reproduction

  • Seed


Control


Biological

  • None


Chemical


Cultural

  • Prevention - maintain health of site
  • Removal - bag and dispose of plants if seeds have started to develop


Mechanical

  • Burning - N/A
  • Grazing - N/A - This plant is poisonous
  • Mowing - Young plants prior to flower formation  


Use all chemicals according to the manufacturer's label. No specific recommendation or endorsement is made or implied by listing methods or products.