Water
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as Black Henbane is susceptible to root rot. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.
Also known as Black Stinking-Nightshade · Cassilago · Common Henbane
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a striking biennial herb with sticky, foetid foliage and trumpet-shaped, purplish-veined flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as Black Henbane is susceptible to root rot. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.
Pruning is generally not required for Black Henbane, as it is often grown as an annual or biennial. If desired for aesthetic reasons or to manage size, prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Propagate Black Henbane from seeds sown directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior. Seeds require light to germinate, so sow them on the surface of the soil.
They can also be propagated by cuttings taken in spring.
Repotting is typically unnecessary for Black Henbane, especially if grown as an annual. If grown as a perennial in a pot, repot in spring every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Where Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Hyoscyamus |
| Species | Hyoscyamus niger |
Similar in genus Hyoscyamus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data